A Forever Flower

One yellow summer day, long ago,

our paths crossed and seeds of

friendship were sown.

As the seeds took root and began

to sprout, we spent almost every

day together that summer.

We took long, barefoot walks –

often stopping to rest on the cool

grass beside the river and watch

paddle boats slosh by.

We snapped pictures of each other in

various stages of play and referred to

them often, reliving the fun we’d had

taking them.

When you had a bad case of poison

ivy and had to stay in, I crushed ivy

leaves and rubbed them on myself so

I’d get it, too, but I was immune.

When I was confined to bed for a week

with strep throat, you phoned every

day to cheer me up.

As teenagers, we slathered our bodies

with a blend of baby oil and iodine

and stretched out on a blanket in your

backyard, hoping for a golden tan, but

sometimes getting sunburn instead.

Later, we sat on my front porch swing

eating cold meatloaf sandwiches and

sipping tall glasses of iced tea.

In mid-August, the carnival came to

town. Lured by bright lights, cheerful

calliope music, pink cotton candy and

thrilling rides, we hurried to the

fairgrounds each evening at dusk. It

was a magical time!

On rainy days, we’d lie across your bed

whispering about our latest heartthrobs

and other secrets. Your mother served

us hamburgers and cokes.

I cherish each of these memories and

so many more. I loved you like the sister

I never had. You were my best friend!

Too soon, we grew up. You went away

and, for a long while, we’ve lived in

separate worlds.

And yet, our relationship has stood the

test of time and separation. Though we

don’t talk for long periods, we both know

when it’s time. Just as I start to dial your

number, my phone rings and there you are!

Sometimes it happens in reverse.

As I reminisce on this golden autumn

afternoon, I’m thankful that the bloom of

our friendship is as vibrant as ever. 

©2015 Peggy Toney Horton ~