we make light of our afflictions

with hollow wry humour and 

compare the quantity of our 

medications as if they were

gambling chips, which in many

ways they are,

both of us know we have more

history written than future planned,

more memories than expectations,

bitter rivals in sport we have

always laughed at the same things

often finishing each others comedy

quips, quotes and punchlines, but now

sadly we’ve had our go at life and 

the jury’s still out on what sort 

of job we made of it,

so when it’s time to part, 

our handshake lasts a little 

longer than usual,

we might even attempt one of

those embarrassing hugs the

young are so fond of these days,

we can never tell each other 

of the love we share, it just

wouldn’t do, look after yourself 

is the nearest we ever come to it

and a hopeful ‘see you soon’

© Graham R Sherwood 05/25