Old Friends
By Robin Lee Shelby
We met one day on an old park bench
After many years apart
We hugged again in the same old way
As we had many years before
It was then the clichés came bubbling forth
“You’re looking well,” I said
“So do you,” was her reply
In her old familiar way
“It’s been a long time,” I returned
She just nodded at that
So then I inquired, “So, how have you been”
“Fine, just fine,” she said after a long while
But I knew she was not, old friends can tell
Else why would she wish to see me once more
I held out my hand and said to her
“I’m here for you, my old friend”
She slowly reached out her hand
With a very wane smile
And when they touched in a familiar way
She replied, “I knew you would be”
