I know not what to say on these lines. Regardless, I shall write until my hand tires; until all my thoughts are spent and lying open for the world to see. However, I know not where to begin. Shall I speak of love and its many wonders? Or of the pain it exudes when it fails? Shall I tell my tales of friendship? Each one is like a voyage at sea: sometimes calm, sometimes perilous; daring and strange; challenging and rewarding. But always beautiful, even in the worst of times. You cannot be a best friend to someone until you have seen, accepted, and love them at their best and their worst. There are four who have helped shape me over the past few years. Each one different, each in their own way. I dedicate this passage to them.

   You are the first in line. Appropriate, as you triggered this journey of mine. We were hardly more than children when we met, but it's you that made me who I am today. You, of olive skin and sparkling eyes, speaking in tongues and dreaming of rainbows. You sparked a hope in me that will never fade. Though we were innocent, you taught me how to love. How to believe. How to persevere, even in the face of darkness and death. You are the one who let me see inner beauty, and how it can encompass a person's entire being. I have never forgotten this.

   You are the second. A strange man, I thought, at first. I have never really understood you, and this has shown. Nevertheless, you are also important to me. How can someone who used to be so like a child be so darkened now? How did I miss all that life? But you'll get it back . . . I know you will. You, of distant descent and a deep mind, taught me compassion. To care for someone, even when they do not return your sentiment. A mystery to behold, to be sure. I have always believed in you, and always will.

   . . . You, my third. You, my first. Sought for unconsciously in the wake of lost love . . . found at the dawn of Autumn's light. Desperate for a companion, no matter what sense, I ventured into an abyss the moment I met you. I tried to make you into what I couldn't find. I became lost. You, of pale skin, bright eyes, fathomless soul, conflicted mind. How happy am I to have known you, yet ashamed to have been so close to you. You taught me lessons of the physical world. Of love, I learned harsh (yet typical) things. To leap into the fray, only to be wounded in battle . . . struggling against a war already lost. To reach towards the flame, beautiful and seductive, only to be burned. Cold and dead as winter's deepest days. Heal scars with more wounds. And yet, time has healed both. I believe in you, but I cannot forget your actions.

   Ah, my fourth. And last, as it stands now. Amidst all my turmoil, the clock struck midnight, and there you were. A balm for my aches and pains; an escape from my troubles. Set apart from my downward spiral. You shone as calm as the moon, patiently waiting for me to find you, and you me. In possession of all I loved in the others. You hang in my night sky, keeping watch over my dreams. So far, yet so close; an omnipresent guide. I feel you beside me, wherever I am. What have you taught me? Be vigilant, be persistent, be kind, be strong. You will find what you seek with enough patience. You will realize your dreams with enough effort. You are a simple man, yes, but you have such a strong presence. So modest, so quiet, so kind, yet so powerful. The strength to move mountains, sway wills, endure strife. But above all this, you've taught me that I can be loved for who I am. All my journeys, all my experiences, have led me to you.

   I love each and every one of you. Wherever you are, whatever you decide to do, I hope you remember that. I know that pains have been caused and exchanged due to our meetings, but we have grown stronger from it. I would not be myself if it weren't for you. So, here's to you: my brother, my classmate, my friend, my love.