One Yearbook Photo Poem by Jim Yerman

When I heard an old friend from high school was sick
I picked up my high school yearbook from the shelf were it has stood.
and when I opened it…I paused…it smelled like childhood.

I hadn't seen this friend for many years but we've kind of kept in touch
and much to my delight
I found a picture of the two of us…looking good in black and white.

We were in our high school football uniforms…a wonderful moment from our past.
If I remember correctly…
I was short, and weak and slow…he was big and strong and fast.

I have always loved this picture…we looked mean…because that's what our coach preferred…
Although, again, if I remember correctly…neither of us were.

When our high school and football careers were over we parted
wondering in the world what we might find…
excited at the possibilities…grateful for the friends we left behind.

I did not know back then…I was much too young to see
how this friend like others in my yearbook…would help determine who I'd be.

I did not know back then…but have since become aware…
that I wouldn't be who I am today…
If I hadn't been with them back there.

I never had the chance to thank him…or them…for how they found a way…
to help transform the boy I was…into the man I am today.

So now…my prayers and thanks go out to him and his family…
as I stare at this photo from 1970 again…
for I don't know where I'd be today…
without your friendship…way back then.

It's amazing when you think about it…once you've made a friend
no matter how many years have passed…or how long you've been apart
two room are always reserved for them…
one inside your memories…and the other inside your heart.