It seemed as if Chrissy and I had been friends forever. Ever since we'd met on the first day of fourth grade, we had been inseparable. We did almost everything together. We were so close that when it came time to pick partners, it was just assumed that we'd pick each other.

In ninth grade, however, things changed. We had been in the same classes for the last five years, but now we were going to different schools. At first we were as good friends as ever, but eventually we found we had no time for each other. Slowly but surely, we were drifting apart. Promises were broken and important get-togethers postponed. I think both of us knew that we were breaking apart, but neither of us wanted to admit it.

Then one day, I finally faced the fact that Chrissy and I weren't close anymore. We'd both grown up, and didn't have much in common any longer. I stil missed her, though. We had shared five incredible years together - years I will never forget. Years I don't want to forget.

One day, as I was thinking of our great times together, I wrote a poem about our friendship. It was bout letting go and growing up, but never forgetting friends.

I still talk to Chrissy sometimes, though now it's hard because we both have such busy schedules.

To this day, I still think of Chrissy as one of my best friends...even though by some definitions we aren't. But when I'm asked to list my friends, I never hesitate to add her name. Becuase as she would always say: "Real friends are forever." When I gave her this poem we both cried, for it's changes like these that make growing up so difficult.

"Friends forever," you promised.

"Together till the end."

We did everything with each other.

You were my best friend.

When I was sad, you were by my side.

When I was scared, you felt my fear.

You were my best support -

If I needed you, you were there.

You were the greatest friend,

You always knew what to say:

You made everything seem better.

As long as we had each other,

Everything would be okay.

But somewhere along the line,

We slowly came apart.

I was here, you were there,

It tore a hole in my heart.

Things were changing,

Our cheerful music reversed its tune.

It was like having salt without pepper,

A sun without its moon.

Suddenly we were miles apart,

Two different people, with nothing the same.

It was as if we hadn't been friends;

Although we knew deep in our hearts

Neither one of us was to blame.

You had made many new friends

And luckily, so had I

But that didn't change the hurt -

The loss of our friendship made me cry.

As we grow older, things must change

But they don't always have to end.

Even though it is different now,

You will always be my friend.

- Phyllis Lin