MEETING AN OLD FRIEND
Walking up the street in the distance I saw Old Joe,
Known him for years, but always seemed full of woe,
I waved my hand cheerily he gave me a wistful smile,
We found a seat and sat and chatted for quite awhile.

I asked him how things were going and if he was well,
With a sad countenance quite a long sad tale he did tell,
His ex-wife was after more money, his old dog was sick,
Broke his chain saw by cutting wood that was too thick.

The car he bought was a lemon, always breaking down,
His son got married, he couldn’t go that far from town,
His roof had sprung a leak so he needed to get a new roof.
And his new daughter-in-law was a snob and kind of aloof.

His arthritis was getting worse it was now in both his feet,
Church had changed the meeting time and too early did meet,
He wanted to go on holiday but fares were much too high,
He was fed up of all the activities that were all close by.

I tried to tell him how my family were going, but no chance,
Of my life to tell, my joys and problems, then I did glance
At my watch a time or two but he did not take the hint at all,
I had forgotten how easily he could send you up the wall.

I had a few problems I would have liked to share with a friend,
But I did not have a chance to talk he moaned, until in the end
I told a little white lie, that I had an important meeting to attend,
Even while I climbed into the car my friends moaning did not end.

(Millicent) Ann Margetson 31 May 2004