You enticed me, your neighbor, Newly moved in right upstairs With aromas of your cooking. And you invited me to share. We started then to get close Like brother and sister were we That had different parents But still becoming family.
I ******* about all and sundry You smiled and said let it go. I complained about the heat You laughed and told me “Go Down to the beach and play; Get wet and come on back Then remember Missouri And see what little you lack.”
And, nobody laughed so, Delighted with my every jest. Never remembered punch lines Yet swore mine were the best. If I passed near her doorway I was urged to come inside. This was the very doorway Where camaraderie did abide.
So, for a decade we took Samples of what we cooked Up and down the stairs To each other and each took That deep and abiding pleasure Of having someone upstairs Who had that cup of sugar Or that butter we could share.
I live today with gratitude; I was blessed, for however long To listen to the lovely music Of friendship’s gentle song. I will miss the coffee shops And boulevard people watching. I need to stop this for now as My throat seems to be catching.