In the Autumn of a Friendship
We came up on Merner Street,
I on the east and he on the west.
Our growing was almost parallel
Like the maples of Merner
That told the spring yards where to stop.
Resembling those broad-shade giants,
We painted the street blotchy on sunny days,
Putting down callow roots,
Twisted together and tangled
In the dark earth beneath the pavement.
High above where time and fences couldn't reach
The years whispered past us on friendly wind.
Rich foliage splendid with autumn
Separated, drifted and fell gently in shades of sienna
Blanketing the earth with recollection.
He left early, in the autumn of our friendship.
His parting hope crafted words for spring
But he was dressed for the colors of winter.
I know we will summer again
If only in the sunshine of our memories.
Lynn E. Nielsen
March 1996
