MY FRIEND
11/03
Joins me
Sometimes at the beach
We walk and talk together
Sharing private thoughts
Going places
Others are not allowed
No invitation brings
Us together
My frail aged friend and I
His pale parchment face and
Stretched cracked skin
Reflect in my eyes
He teaches me
How to respect him
Is always there
Demanding intimacy
Jealous of my time
Shares me with no other
His persistence is amazing
If I neglect to acknowledge
Or take him for granted
He attacks my fingers
Hips and shoulders
If I forget our history
My whole body starts to ach
Taking my breath away
The only power
I have over my friend
Is to face him
Embrace him
As my lover
Name him
Pain
