Hello You!
I’m sorry I
Ran away and left you.
When Ruth Cosgrove
Beamed at you
And loved your fresh young voice
I was scared to death.
I couldn’t be your friend
I had to mind my mother
I had to be a lady at all times
I had to be pretty and invisible
With no thoughts and no voice
I had to sit still and be quiet.
You, Oh Best Beloved,
Have had to wait so long
Watching such a frenetically busy life
Patiently waiting your turn.
Now I am finally brave enough
To be your friend
To sit with you
To listen to what you have to say
To delight in
Your jaded innocence
Your serious irreverence
Your despairing hope
Your saucy insouciance.
And to laugh with you
At the absurdity of it all.
– jml (1998)
