Unthinkable

First, the news breaking in
all media for this man who is
no more after his towering career
failed, to time and age and keen
competition, informing friends,
colleagues and admirers of the
unfortunate discovery, an
unresponsive body. No rescue
possible, only reminiscences
fondly held of a man generous 
with his time, his experience,
his friendship, his willingness
to be needed and to fulfill that need.
At the news, all were devastated,
the dreadful loss of such an
exceptional human being, the
sorrow for themselves, losing
such an invaluable gift to their
lives. He, on the other hand,
saw bleak desolation, a wide, empty
black space sucking him into
its inexorable maw. He, the
source of their comfort, was
simply put, depressed, alone,
abysmally uncomfortable with life.