Things Only Friends Can Say

I smile as I sit here remembering.

It was a beautiful sunny day

and I drove down those familiar roads -

and parked in that familiar driveway.

I can always take a slow deep breath

as I turn onto your street

in view of what once was

a place where I lived

and you lived, side by side.

Those tall beautiful oaks

welcome me warmly 

as I step out of my car.

I pause there with them

and scan where they faithfully reside.

I listen to the wind as it sweeps

through their "hair".

It's been that thing I've done

for the years you've lived there.

Then I slowly walk up the wooden stairs.

So much love with each step.

So much side by side

in memories of going here and there,

carrying this and that,

within sight of others who 

have walked that same pathway

to your door to enjoy the love

they all find within.

I smiled that day, seeing 

the mulberry tree that was once

a tiny sapling.  It's grown so big now.

Not much else has changed 

and that is such a comfort.

And then I'm up to your door.

And before I open the screen to knock

there is always this exciting thrill

because each visit is full of new.

How old can produce a new

each and every time is something

one doesn't preconceive.

It's something that just happens

and simply breathed.

If words could describe, 

It could never add to the moment

and more often than not,

it takes away.

These are the things I experience

before the red door is even opened.

This day was my first time 

to your house in 6 months.

And we had things to accomplish -

and I love those little everyday life 

accomplishments we do.

They aren't world changing

but somehow they change our worlds.

There is always a furry face 

I hear bark and peer through

the front window.

I call to him and he hears me.

Today was the anticipated day

of pulling the chia pet hair 

from your driveway.

I had been out there for awhile

and you popped your head 

out your window

and you said the funniest thing.

You mentioned that if I was thirsty,

I could drink water from your hose.

And my instant reaction 

was to say "Yum".

But oh how I laughed out loud

the more I thought about that.

Who, but a friend,

could tell a guest 

from out of town

to go drink

from their hose

and that guest would totally understand

and not be offended by being told

to do something like that.

(And that hose water was so so good.)

This is what it is to be known 

by someone for years.

There is context and stuff that occurs

that no one can understand 

but the two who have worked

in the field of relationship

and have removed lots of stones

and tilled the ground

and planted seeds

and watched them grow

and gently remove any weed,

together.

Love never was a feeling,

although sometimes it can feel grand.

Love is a choice

and when all else fails,

it will stand.

Thanks friend for the laugh.

Some things in life 

one just has to jot down 

to remember for forever.