It happened so many years ago
Too many to think about
Back than we didn’t know
Life’s strange, winding route

It was in the late 50s, when you
asked me to marry you.
You broke my heart when you changed your mind,
And said, Mary, I’ve asked Teri to be my bride
I got so mad I hit you with a mud pie
After all, we were only five!

I laugh at that now, and then start to cry,
Life is so funny, I wonder why
Why when I left and we said goodbye,
Did we never keep in touch?

I look down at the paper that I found;
The one that tells of your death
What happened Earl?  The paper
said you never wed, but had nieces and nephews galore.
They asked if people knew you, to add something
To your folklore.

All I can do is shake my head, and feel sorrow
For what never was.   It’s hard to lose a friend,
I hope you’re in a better place, it seems your
later years in life were nothing but an empty plate.

Rest in Peace, dear friend

                                                    Mary E. Lacey
                                                          2014