Dinner at Dave’s
Good friends are anchors into reality
they speak their thoughts plainly
they counseled me with criticism and concern
and listened without rejection to my every reply.
Dave and Ron said I owed Rose
but, as the discussion wore on,
it seemed that it was Danny I owed
‘Give him all the relief you can’, they said,
‘that he can grow up as straight and true as possible.’
And Dave also said that, ‘In five years
I wouldn’t speak to he or Ron, my friends.’
that I would’ve risen beyond their friendships
and I smiled, honored
that they should see my future so bright
but hurt to think that they would think I would discard them so.
Evidently, they’ve seen me as some rising star
long before any of my talents or blind luck bore fruit.
They said they knew I’d do Rose wrong even back then,
when all my shoe string dreams lived only by our faith,
hers and mine, and her love.
I listened and I loved their honesty
but I can no more change myself than quit breathing….
I listened, listened and begged to hear more.
Perhaps something they know
could make it easier for her and Danny and I.
But, if not, I don’t regret our words nor the time spent.
They’re my friends and I love what they think.
gallagher
22 april 78
— Copyright 1965-2008 by Dennis Gallagher —