MY BEST FRIEND


Some time ago
Not far in my memory
He and I walked together
We saw the seasons change
And were as close as two people can be

We were of the same mind
On most things
Competition was the basis
Of our friendship
Yes we had girlfriends

They were passing fancies
There was no point to settling down
We were young
And liked to explore
All things and ideas

Games were a large part of our lives
Even when others played
It always came down to us
One on one
He was older

For a long time he was also bigger
But like everything that changed too
In school he was well advanced
I was bored and didn't pay much attention
My thoughts were on girls and the beach

He went to college
That was hard on us
Then I joined the army
We wrote for a time
But separation took its toll

I went to Germany and met new people
He got married and had a child
I heard rumors of him
He probably heard of me
But much had passed while we were apart

I had gotten married too
Friends once so close for many years
Now were strangers
When we finally met
I didn't know him anymore

I recognized the face I had seen
From boyhood but the man was different
I realized as I think he must have too
That a friendly word and smile
Was all that remained between us


Michael V Hechtman