Friendship And Company Poem by David Harris

He was twenty and she was forty-three,
he was single and lonely,
she was divorced with three children.
What drew them together neither knew.
Both were seeking friendship and company.
He would take her to the pictures occasionally,
sometimes to old films, sometimes to something new.

He would visit her at her home,
sometimes they would play cards,
and other times just sit and watch TV.
Though she was older than he was,
their ages never were mentioned.
It was not a relationship of passion,
just one of friendship and company.

Then came the day she fell ill.
He went to see her constantly.
She broke the news to him one day.
She had breast cancer and had
to have her breast removed.
Into hospital, she had to go.
Finally, she came home,
but needed constant care.

Her sister said she would look after her,
but she would have to move in with her.
Tears were held in check,
as see you later were said.
They would keep in touch,
but somehow both knew,
that this was the last time
they would see each other.

Several years had passed, then one day.
He was getting off a bus,
as her eldest son was about to get on.
He smiled and asked how was his mum.
His answer stopped him in his tracks.
“She passed away two years ago.”
Then the bus was ready to pull away.

He walked solemnly home
with an empty space in his heart.
Getting home, his wife looked at him.
“What is wrong with you? ” She asked.
“I just learnt of the passing of a friend.
The worse part is I never
got the chance to say a final goodbye.”

Later that evening as the sun was about to set.
He went for a walk on his own,
down to the shore to watch the sea.
Looking out at the gentle waves,
he stared out at the sunset.
There was something he wanted to say.

Looking at the heavens.
“Eve, I loved you more than a friend,
but I never had a chance
to say a proper goodbye to you.
Oh Lord look after my friend,
she was a wonderful woman.
I know this story is true,
because it happened to me long ago.


(For Eve Croft/9 August 2007)