Breakfast with the Girls

Photos
Sunset behind piles of driftwood. Coastguard Beach, Cape Cod.

Friendships
This morning a special group of friends-since-high school met for breakfast at the East Windsor Diner. We started meeting to plan one of our class reunions a few years ago and decided it was so much fun, we continued meeting regularly. There are 9 of us: Alice, Nancy, Ruth, Pat, Elaine, Barbara, Elsie, Thelma and me (hope I didn't forget anyone). We have so much fun even the waitress marks her calendar so she'll be there to wait on us. We like her a lot right back. Here's a poem I wrote about Breakfast with the Girls.

Breakfast with the Girls

Hugs and shrieks of delight
greet each new arrival.
Everyone is well—able to come.
No one wants to be a topic of conversation.

Years after high school graduation
these old friends gather at the local diner
every couple of months—or so
for breakfast and conversation.

Fifty plus years ago
we were a competitive
bunch of shakers and doers.
We have mellowed—somewhat.

Competition now is who will
command attention to tell
the latest story of Medicare, grandkids,
medical procedures, or share photographs.

Interruption is frequent, bold—
Hold that thought, conversation
across the table has suddenly
become more interesting than ours.

We’ve become walking pharmacies,
consume all major brands.
On this day we add laughter—
still our best medicine.

Years have softened, rounded
our bodies and personalities.
What is really important
clearly understood.

Breakfast gets cold, we chat non-stop.
Finally, a date chosen for our next gathering.
Hugs given all around, we wave good-bye
until we meet again—same time, same place.

©Beverly R. Titus
11/08/06