Lawrence Hall, HSG
Mhall46184@aol.com

                           We Sat Outside and Smoked Our Pipes


                        He was my friend, faithful and just to me

                             -Marc Anthony in Julius Caesar


Even on the InterGossip whispers are whispers
Arrangements for end-of-life care, the funeral to plan
Who needs to be notified, who is not speaking
What about the cousins in Ohio?

In the whispering care home whispers are whispers
Polite ghostly whispers in the waiting area
(And unwhispered thoughts about who might get what)
Someone whispers into his room; someone whispers out

But he seldom whispered; his speech was clear and free -
And
He was my friend, faithful and just to me