Friendships Poem by Joyce A Halvorsen

To Edward-a life stolen by Alzheimers

Inside my heart there is a place for you
A quiet spot shared by only two
I am solitary as I read a book and sip hot tea
You paint landscapes and plant gardens for all to see.

I want to share time, moments from the past, snapshots of long ago,
Photographs, worn but whole found in laughter and sorrow-
see if it isn't so.
Our friendship was sure of itself, easy to know, a part of you and me
Once stripped of pretences, without boundaries, we were free.

You say I am your mirror, your innermost trust, your absolute truth
Yet in your world, change is the simple and complex verb in use
Memories collect somewhere in our book even as it ages
Our mixed reminisces are full and abundant, a guild to life's pages

I know that when from each other your mind wander far away
Our friendship is still near to our hearts in every way
No mountain or valley can hide this familiarity we have found
Together or in our lives apart, we have something more profound.

If I am your comfort, your strength, you are my astonishment
When the blanket of time slipped upon you, blind your eyes from seeing
You were able to open the doors to another world; from music to paint
You created a new medium, your mind measured each heart beat.

Once there was a place in our lives, a place we could share
Yet, in our poems and songs are many subtle words which say we care
We have set our lyrics to the music of dreams and possibilities
How different our voices are, yet we have hope in each other's abilities.

Let me take you with me then-I want others to see
All the colors our lives have turned out to be
We have patched our lives together, for richer or poorer
And in the rows and colors of other such perfect blossoms
we give a nod for the imperfect flower

Here then is a solitary spot, a secret place, where we can abide
We have an understanding and witness the changes in our lives
Together we search the deepest forest and linger under the tallest trees
And find the one strong secure oak to shade and comfort
you and me.