Skibo (poem) by Mark M Lichterman on AuthorsDen

Skibo
by Mark M Lichterman → (All Poetry by Mark M Lichterman)
Rated "G" by the Author.

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Respectufully, understand first; I am not looking for a sermon nor a biblical interpretation.
___________________________________________________________________ SkiBo “SkiBo” his internet name His given name: Gene Tarnowski But simply, “Ski” to all that knew him Friends for years Ski living a four minute walk From my rear patio Along the green velvet lined walkway Then ten steps up to the grassy knoll To behind Ski’s patio where No matter the heat Would always be shade Would always be a cooling breeze. Where two chairs would be moved onto the grass Where vodka tonics would be made and sipped Onto the grassy knoll Where Ski and me watched Gus and Harry Our two “Yorkies” Gus the daddy and Harry his “kid” Would run and romp When To the delight of passersby Gus and Harry would run to greet. Whereupon No matter the heat The shade stippled Breeze cooled Grassy knoll Ski and me would talk of this And would talk of that Near a week younger than me We would talk as two elderly Dear friends would talk Of grown children Of our grown children’s children Ski and me would talk of our wives Only good things, of course And of food Ski loved to eat, As do I Difference being Ski loved to cook So conversations most often went to food Along with the preparation thereof Difference being Actually I’m more an eater Conservatively Politically aligned Conversations most often went to politics So now In this year At this time Considering the consequences I can but imagine the conversations Between Ski and me Personal conversational problem, though Ski, a “Born Again Christian” And me A non-religious Non-practicing Jew When Years earlier Ski’s words to me On a near daily basis “I love you as a brother I know what’s coming So accept Jesus Christ As your personal savior” Though a Jew Knowing I am a Jew Knowing also 1 am a non-religious person Knowing Ski meant well “No, Ski, please” I would reply on a near daily basis “Please, just drop it” Though spoken on a near daily occurrence In those earlier years Ski would Just drop it Bonnie, my wife Said I’d be sorry Said I would miss him Years going on Becoming more vocal “Accept Jesus Christ” Becoming more demanding “I love you, brother Accept Jesus Christ” “Drop it, Ski” I would demand However… Bonnie said I’d be sorry Bonnie said I would miss him I am as I am As you are as you are As Ski was as he was. My friend’s intentions I know were good But time came when “Accept Jesus” Became an everyday command Eventually In time I stopped walking the four minute walk Along the green velvet lined walkway Ski and me no longer talked as elderly dear friends Sadly We no longer talked. One year passed Bonnie said I’d be sorry Bonnie said I would miss him Two years passed Eventually, in time Gus, the Yorkie daddy, died Eventually, in time Harry, the Yorkie son, died Eventually, in time Ski, my dear old friend died So true Now Ski long gone I walk the green velvet lined walkway And a day does not pass That I do not look to the shade stippled grassy knoll Where No matter the heat Would always be a cooling breeze Where Two chairs would be moved onto the grass Where Vodka tonics would be made and sipped Where Talk of food and families and politics would Be spoken between two elderly friends Ski and me Bonnie said I’d be sorry Bonnie said I would miss him Sadly Bonnie is right. ©October 30, 2013 / Mark M. Lichterman

Reviewed by Elizabeth Russo

Reviewed on November 9, 2013

I am sorry for the loss of your friend, Mark. Sad, too, how differences often lead to the breakup of all kinds of relationships in our lives, even within our own families, sometimes. At least you can sometimes look back at the fond memories and try to forget those that caused the difficult end to your friendship, hard as that may be. So sorry. Always your friend, Lizzie

Reviewed by Robert Whitford

Reviewed on November 2, 2013

A sad story in many ways Mark. If you look at this from his perspective, he was indeed being a very good friend, trying to convert you. He just couldn't get past the common sense that would apply in most social situations. I can see how such demands, requests or whatever would wear at the strands of friendship. Too bad he couldn't accept it and move on. Hard to lose a friend that way. I was compelled to follow your personal story. It is highly readable and emotional Mark. Bob

Reviewed by Annabel Sheila

Reviewed on October 31, 2013

Aw! Too bad your friend thought his idealisms should be yours...this happens all too often and instead of celebrating our differences, we let them tear us apart...very heartfelt write, Mark. I'm sorry for the loss of your friend.

Your Canadian Pal,
Anna

PS. Almost time to read "The Climbing Boy" again...can't wait! What an amazing story...crafted by a truly gifted writer.

Reviewed by Ronald Hull

Reviewed on October 30, 2013

Based on my own relatives, I have noticed that they get more religious as they age. The phenomenon may be related to changes in the brain.

I kind of wish you had been able to stomach his growing insistence and imposition, but I too draw away from people who try to impose their ideas on me just for friendship's sake. Stopping back after some time away often changes the picture. It looks like you are still bearing guilt for your action. I have a feeling that Bonnie is always right� Right?

Ron

Reviewed by Joy Hale

Reviewed on October 29, 2013

Mark,

It is so sad when friends disagree for whatever reason and one day the friendship has to come to end. I know you miss "Skibo" and everything that defined a friendship of many years. I am sorry for your loss. A loving tribute to your friend of many years. Well said, Mark.

Joy L. Hale