When You And I were Boys Old Friend

[Terry]

WHEN YOU AND I WERE BOYS OLD FRIEND

Remember how it used to be when we were boy’s old friend,
those carefree years out in the bush; we thought they’d never end.
For you and I were best of mates and life was full of fun,
still blessed with childhood innocence we frolicked in the sun.

I cherish now those days of youth; the friendship that we shared,
the kind of crazy things we did that only young boys dared.
I still recall test matches that we used to play each week,
and happy hours spent fishing for small minnows in the creek.

Too quickly youthful days passed by and soon we were young men,
those joyful times were over and our lives would start again.
We both discovered girls and then began to drift apart,
the fairer sex took precedence; in matters of the heart.

Before too long you’d settled down with children on the way,
while I’d become a wanderer; I’m still the same today.
And though our bonds remained quite strong, a gulf began to grow,
we finally lost contact, all those many years ago.

I’d often think about you as I sat alone at night,
beside a warming campfire as the stars were shining bright.
And memories would focus on the story that awaits,
about two boys born in the bush who’d been the truest mates.

Then came that letter from your wife to say that you were ill,
and wished a final word with me; you’d sensed deaths icy chill.
I made it back to see you mate; somehow you had hung on,
A few last words about our youth, a smile, and you were gone.

I stand here by your grave old friend; my mind is drifting back,
to days of boyhood mateship, way out on that dusty track.
I hear again your laughter ringing faintly through the years,
and see once more the way things were, through eyes now moist with tears.

******

© T. E. Piggott 9/11/2011

[Heather]

Very wistful and touching Terry. It's sad how we lose touch with old friends, but, we move on in life and make new ones. That's life. I maintain that a good friend is someone you might not see for years but when you do catch up it's as if you only saw them yesterday.

Heather

[Maureen K Clifford]

beautiful words Terry and sadly so true of many friendships. But totally agree with Heathers comments, with true friends it is as if you have never been apart for a minute and have stayed totally attuned to each other over the years.

Thanks for sharing this one with us Terry - it's a keeper.

Cheers

Maureen

[mummsie]

I felt every sentiment Terry, well written.
There's an old saying, '' True friendship is not about who you've known for the longest time, it's about who came and never left your side.''

Sue

[Heather]

Boyce, you are one sick puppy!

[Dave Smith]

Great words Terry, just what we have come to expect from you.

Sad times mate I guess we have all been there.

Cheers Dave.

[Henry Snicklesnorter]

This one really strikes a chord with me, Terry. Great work.

[Neville Briggs]

True to life Terry.

[Terry]

Thanks everybody,
I did wonder if this one may be a bit too mushy for some.

Heather,
I think you're right, life is ever changing and sometimes we just outgrow each other.

Hi Marty,
I haven't any bodies lying around at the moment, but should the need arise, we are Good friends aren't we?

Hi Maureen,
I've always felt that there are good friends and then there is if you're really lucky, a true mate or two in each lifetime.
If you're exceptionally lucky, especially these days, one of those mates will be your spouse.

Hi Sue,
There is a lot of truth in that saying of yours

Hi Dave,
You're right Dave, another great mate of mine of well over 20 years, is having very hard time of it at the moment.

G/day Henry
Glad you enjoyed it mate.

Hi Neville.
As we get older we will come face to face with this more often wont we.


Terry

[Terry]

One thing I forgot to mention was that this poem started out as a answer to a challenge Irene made in our local newsletter trying to engender a bit of enthusiasm from our members, the subject was 'I Remember' . I started fiddling with it and in this case I really did remember.
I have already sent her two abbreviated versions of this, not sure if I'm game to send her this final version.

Terry