Old Friends
Inspired by what I've never been able to forget -
We simultaneously recognized the man was very frail.
His weary eyes were tired, though clear. His skin was thin and pale.
Our interrupted business soon was made aware of “why”…
This weak and feeble gentleman had come to say goodbye.
I sensed a strong relationship that went back many years,
And felt their “understanding” as their eyes welled up with tears.
This man had stopped to celebrate a friendship long and true,
And bid his very last farewell to someone that he knew.
The soft and trembling words he spoke would make me understand -
This would be the last time this old man would shake his hand.
“So, how the heck ya’ been, my friend?” was all I’d heard him say
As I excused myself explaining, “I’ll be on my way.”
I knew they needed time alone…a chance to reminisce…
And headed out the door to grant the two a chance for this.
I tried to guess what sort of things the two of them might say
On what they knew would very likely be - his final day.
It struck me hard to see the way their friendship had to end,
But ne’er will I forget the way he truly loved his friend.
PS: I've now got 4 new Audio-CDs - @ 4 1/2 hours each = (62 diversely varied pieces). They’re listed on EBAY - under - “Mark Stellinga Poetry” - or available by simply contacting me at -- mark@writerofbooks.com -- should those of you who enjoy listening to poems as well as reading them - and particularly those of you that travel - care to be so entertained. (We use safe and simple - PayPal)
Cheers,
Mark
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