FRIENDSHIPS
“Oil and incense bring joy to the heart, and the sweetness of a friend is counsel to the soul.”
— Proverbs 27:9
There are many versions of friendship. There are childhood friends, adult friends, lifelong friendships, and even accidental friends.
During childhood, there's always that one friend you love like a brother — the one you do everything with. You share sleepovers, birthdays, adventures, and the simple act of growing up together.
Real friendship is precious indeed.
These are the relationships that mold us and help make us who we become. Many times, we don't realize the impact they truly have on our lives until much later.
Friendship is golden.
Accidental friendships are those unexpected connections that somehow arrive exactly when we need them most.
I had the honor of volunteering alongside my wife in Hospice Care in Louisiana. The poem “Willie and The Black Stallion” is about one of these accidental but wonderful friendships during that time.
What a blessing he was to me
WILLIE AND THE BLACK STALLION
“An unexpected friendship born through hospice care — a reminder that even at life's hardest moments, kindness, courage, and love can leave footprints on our hearts forever.”
Willie loved living
And he loved horses too
His heroes were guys like
Roy Rogers and Lash Larue
When I would come over to visit
The TV was in black and white
Those old shows would keep his attention
His heroes always won the fight
Willie also had cancer
The pain took his will
His best moments were times
When he was quiet and still
He called me late one night
He was scared and all alone
I could hear he was breathless
On my end of the phone
He told me about a black stallion
That was nipping at his neck
He was running as fast as he could
But it felt like he had big weights on his legs
He said, “I know he's close
I can feel his hot breath
And I know if he catches me now
It's gonna be my death”
I came over to comfort him that night
His sick frame was so weak
He was such a sweet and gentle man
I always felt so blessed to meet
Willie's dreams continued
The stallion came closer each night
I always hated that the thing he loved the most
Was giving him such a fright
It wasn't long after his call
The stallion no longer ran alone
You see, the horse wasn't coming to hurt Willie
It was coming to take him home.
MY FRIEND
“A reflection on the friendships that shape our lives — and a reminder that time passes far too quickly to leave important words unsaid.”
It was a day like any other
I awoke with the day's work in my head
Getting dressed, I turned to leave
Wishing I was still sleeping comfortably in my bed
At least it was Friday
The last day of my workweek
I walked into my office
Cleared my desk and took my seat
Drinking my first morning cup of coffee
Sitting all alone
I heard a sound and then looked down
At a message on my phone
I could see every word on the message
But the meaning just wouldn't come through
This couldn't be reality
It just could not be true
Every thought inside my head
Took me back to days gone by
A childhood full of fun and friends
And I began to cry
There's no way it can be this way
It just can't happen like this
We were supposed to get together soon
To laugh and talk and reminisce
We were going to pull out those old pictures
Make fun of our clothes and hair
Just how am I supposed to do that
If you're not even here
You only get one childhood
And one best friend
To share life and plans and dreams
The years go past
And life just happens
So very fast it seems
I'll never get that chance here on Earth
To reconnect with him again
But I'll always cherish the memories
I have of my dear friend
Don't take friendship for granted
It's special in every way
Keep in touch
No matter what
You'll be glad you did one day
HOME
“A journey through childhood, friendship, war, and life's final chapter — discovering that home is more than a place; it's where love, peace, and the people who matter most are waiting.”
She was proud of her young man
It was Brad's first sleepover with his friend
She had heard them making plans
So she packed his favorite backpack to send
He told her they were gonna play games
And stay up as long as they could
Eat lots of ice cream and candy
Probably much more than they should
His friend River met him at the front door
It was gonna be a great night
Brad stopped himself and turned around
Before his mom got out of sight
“Wait Mom!” he yelled
Then ran up to give her a big squeeze
“Thanks for letting me come tonight
I'll be a big boy and say thank you and please.”
Then he released her and ran inside
With a wink from River's mom
They shut the door and she couldn't help
But give out a whimpering sob
They had such a good time
And did almost everything they said
Until it got dark outside
And got close to time for bed
First Brad could feel it in his stomach
Then small tears welled up in his eyes
He told River's mom
Which to her was no surprise
He said, “I want to go home!
My belly doesn't feel just right
I'm not real sure what's wrong with me
Maybe I'm allergic to your house at night.”
The two mothers had already talked
They expected that this might be the case
She told him, “I'll take you home, Brad.”
A smile lit up across his face
Years later River reminded Brad of that night
While they talked to the recruiter that day
Together they were joining the Army
To see parts of the world so far away
The training was very difficult
It pushed them to their limits every day
Somehow in that time they became men
Always having each other to lean on day to day
After a couple of months
They shipped out together
To a war they had to win
It was on that ship going over
That their real worries and fears would begin
They saw horrible things
They never thought they'd see
It was fight after fight after fight
But it always seemed more intense and scary
Sitting in a foxhole late one night
They heard yelling in another language
Then explosions that rocked the ground
Screams from some of their friends
Were the worst of all the sounds
They fought for their lives with all they had
Beating them back to finally win the fight
In all the smoke and noise
Brad searched everywhere for River that night
Yelling out his name in all the confusion
Brad finally heard him crying out loud
Finding him in a bombed-out crater
He reached in to pull him out
Yelling for the medics to help him
He did everything he could do
His dear friend grabbed his arm
He said, “Brad, now I know the truth.”
“I wanna go home!
I wanna sleep in my bed
I wanna wake up in my house
And not hear these explosions in my head.”
Medics rushed to help him
They took him away in the dark night
For the first time since he arrived
Brad could feel the chills of fright
After the war came to an end
They lived their lives like brothers
Always the best of friends
They loved each other's families
Their grandkids and their wives
And they were both together
As old men at the end of their lives
After many treatments and lots of pain
River called in all his clan
He told them, “I know you want me here
But that's never been my plan.”
Reaching out to hold their hands
He whispered in his weakened voice
“I want to go home now.
I've finally made my choice.”
Brad knew what those words meant
As he looked deep into his eyes
The two men's eyes connected
His words were no surprise
Finding his voice, Brad told him
“Yes, go home my dear friend
It's where you're meant to be
And I know soon I'll be joining you
Soon we'll both be free
But until that time, just know
I'll see that everything is right
Your family will have me to call
No matter how dark the night.”
“City of Roses” is a memory of growing up in a place where friendship, freedom, and simple pleasures meant more than money ever could. It remembers summer nights, ballparks, bicycles, fishing holes, paper routes, first kisses, and the people who made an ordinary little town feel extraordinary.
Rose City may not have looked like much to everyone else, but to those who grew up there, it was home — and that was more than enough.
City of Roses
It was Mayberry with an edge
It was safe and full of friends
You could find it if you looked real hard
It was where the pavement ends
There were Vampires and Chiefs
And sandlots and bikes
It was hanging out at the Rec Center
Or at the tennis courts at night
There was frog gigging and fishing
And maybe that first kiss
We mowed grass, we had paper routes
To keep money in our fists
There was Blue Hole swimming
And Herb’s Frito Chili Pie
And beautiful young ladies to chase
If one happened to catch your eye
It was endless nights in the ballpark
And plans after it closed
It was having good clean fun in summer
Sharing friendships and being close
We were proud and we were happy
To be living in our little town
Some people didn’t understand us
And tried to put us down
They called us Rednecks
They called us poor
But we just smiled and waved
They didn’t know how good we had it
And they still don’t till this day
I wouldn’t trade it for anything
I’d scream it out so very loud
I’d bet many more would join me
When I’d say
WE’RE STILL ROSE CITY PROUD
A tribute to a childhood friend whose love of music brought him joy, confidence, and a place to shine. “Tommy” remembers the happy ripples he left behind—and the friend whose music still echoes in memory.
Tommy
Tommy loved to play his music
But some applause would really feed his soul
He had finally gotten over his stage fright
He knew the lights, the crowds and the music would make him feel whole
He couldn’t believe he could actually get paid
To do what he really loved
He was so thankful to have the gift of music
He had thought just playing in secret in his room would be enough
He got an opportunity to finally audition for a club
He practiced and rehearsed and danced
He didn’t want to miss his opportunity
Or to mess up this wonderful chance
He worried about his clothes and his big thick glasses
His friends joked he looked like a nerd
But he was determined to show them
And play some of the best music they’d ever heard
He was enough that glorious day
Standing so confident on the stage
He did get the job to play on the weekends
To share his greatest love and even get paid
The first few weekends were a blur
And he got to see the lights and feel all the applause
But there were a few who saw him play
That saw only his quirkiness and his flaws
Finishing his set late one night
And putting his beloved guitar in its case
He walked outside to see thunder and lightning
And the rain fall on his face
Running to his car in the downpour
He was confronted by some men
They had gathered around his car
As he tried to make his way in
They called him terrible names
Then took out his guitar
And dropped it in the rain
They knocked him down
And broke his thick glasses
He yelled for help but no one came
When they had taken his money
They all walked away laughing
He put his broken guitar inside his car
He couldn’t find his glasses anywhere
He didn’t know if he could drive or just how far
His dream had become a nightmare
His windows were foggy and wet
He just wanted to get home and try to dry off his guitar
And try to catch his breath and start to forget
The Ripples we leave in this life
Some are good and some are bad
Tommy was doing his best to leave Ripples of happiness
Never Ripples that were mean or sad
The men who confronted Tommy that stormy night
Will never know what they’d done
The world lost a pure soul on his stormy blind way home that night
A mother and father lost an only son
He was my friend and he’ll always be
I know he’s playing to applause so loud
I just wish I could finally tell him
All his happy Ripples still make me proud
“Cookies With Friends” is a tender story about childhood friendship, kindness, and the quiet way love shows up in times of loss. Through Charley’s innocent and compassionate heart, this poem reminds us that sometimes the greatest comfort we can offer is simply being there for someone who is hurting.
Cookies With Friends
It was Charley’s first day in her new house
She watched as the movers unloaded box by box by box
She wished they would hurry up and unload her toys
So she could play her games or marvel at her collection of shiny rocks
Her parents told her to go into the backyard
To play on the swingset the owners had left behind
This was all so much for a little seven year old girl
As everything whirled and twirled inside her young mind
Wandering around the backyard
Charley lifted up an old log
She jumped back startled
When she realized she had disturbed the slumber of a very sleepy frog
Of course she had to name it, talk to it and claim it as her friend
The conversation was full of what she’d experienced so far
From the very beginning to the end
She said, “Freddy, I don’t know what kind of day that you’ve had,
But I gotta tell ya the truth.
I ain’t seen such excitement in my mom and dad
Since I lost my first tooth!”
The frog just stared at her and didn’t make a peep
She told it, “I believe I’m gonna put you back under that log
And let you go back to sleep.”
She heard her mom calling
To come back into the house
She got up and ran inside
Then gasped at what she saw as she put her hands over her mouth
Standing in her new house was an elderly couple
They had a little brown dachshund on a leash
His tail was wagging for her
And they said, “We are your brand new neighbors and this cute little guy here is Pete.”
Her mother told her this was Margie and Bill who lived in the house next door
Charley said, “Well now I’ve got even more friends.
There’s Freddy, Pete, Margie and Bill! That makes four!”
Margie stooped down and handed her a bag
With some fresh baked cookies she had made
Charley took one out and took a big bite
Then raised it in a salute and exclaimed, “Yep, this totally makes my day!”
“I think I’m gonna like it here,” she said with a big ole toothy smile
“I can see sticking around here eating cookies and playing with Freddy and Pete for quite a while!”
Charley became very close with her new neighbors over time
They became like grandparents full of love and cookies and fun
And Pete always waited for her to get off that bus
When her day at school was done
She was looking out the school bus window on her way home one day
To see if Pete was waiting for her return
But this day the yard was full of cars and people
Her childish curiosity began to burn
Her mom and dad were waiting for her
Standing together in their front yard
They walked up to hug her
And told her what they had to say would be very, very hard
Her dad picked her up and took her in the house
Then sat her in her chair
He said, “I know you’re really wondering
Just what’s happening over there.”
She knew something was wrong with Bill or Margie
And with tears welling in her eyes
She asked, “Are Bill and Margie okay?
Please tell me they’re just fine.”
They told her the story of what had happened
That an ambulance came and took Margie away
They told her she didn’t make it
And that they didn’t really know what to do or say
Her first concern was for Mr. Bill and that she wanted to go check on him and give him a hug
But they told her now wasn’t the time
And they were sure he was surrounded by a family full of love
She ran into the backyard and sat on her swing
The tears still rolling down her face
That’s when she looked over the fence to see Mr. Bill
Sitting on his back porch in his usual place
He was holding Pete in his lap
And rocking to and fro
And she knew that if there was only one place on earth
That she definitely had to go
She went through the fence gate
And slowly walked towards the porch where he sat
When Pete saw her, his tail began to wag
And Charley reached out to give him a few light pats
Bill had a smile for her
And patted Margie’s chair for her to sit down
She really didn’t know what to say
As she looked for anyone else that might be around
“I have something for us to share Charley.”
As he reached for a bag beside his chair
“These are my Angel Margie’s last cookies.
And it’s something I’d sure she’d like for us three to share.”
He took one out and broke it into three pieces
Then put a piece in her little hand
They raised it up in a grand toast for his loving wife
And all the love she had spread across their little plot of land
They both took a big bite
Then threw the last piece into the yard for Pete
They were sure in this little dog’s long life
It was probably the best treat he’d ever eat
Her dad saw her over at the house
Then motioned for her to come home
Bill smiled at her and gave her a big tight hug
And told her it was okay to leave him alone
Walking back into their house her dad told her,
“Charley I told you not to go over there.
It’s a very sad time when a loved one dies.”
“But dad,” Charley whispered,
“He was all alone on the porch with Pete
And there was no one there to help him cry.”
“Let’s Walk” is a simple invitation to replace judgment with kindness and understanding. It reminds us that everyone carries struggles, regrets, and scars, and that sometimes the best thing we can do is stop pushing one another away and simply walk through life together.
Let’s Walk
Don’t judge me for my beliefs
Don’t judge me for who I love
Don’t judge me for how I was raised
Don’t judge me for not being enough
Just love me for who I am
Just love me, scars and all
Just love me because, like you, I struggle
Just love me when I stumble and fall
Don’t hate me for my past
Don’t hate me for some terrible things I’ve said
Don’t hate me for being imperfect
Don’t hate me for the darkness in my head
I’m trying to be a better human
I’m trying to change all the wrongs
I’m trying to find my way forward
I’m trying to find a place for my heart to belong
I see you as you struggle
I see you searching for love
I see you begging for kindness
I see you resisting the shoves
Let’s just walk this path of life together
Let’s walk and just be friends
Let’s walk and talk together
Let’s walk and let this judgment and hatred come to an end
“I Will” is about the quiet promises we make to the people we care about—to remember with them, laugh with them, comfort them, and remind them that they matter. It also recognizes that friendship goes both ways, because sooner or later, we all need someone willing to do the same for us.
I Will
If I can make you feel
Something real
If I can go that far
I will
If I can bring back some great memories
If I can raise that bar
I will
If our lives have somehow been intertwined
And I can bring back chills or a smile
I will
If I can evoke love or understanding
Or maybe go that extra mile
I will
If we have ever created something beautiful
And I need to help you remember that day
I will
If you have ever touched my heart and you need me to help you find your way
I will
If times are tough and your heart needs someone to give it a little tug
I will
If you feel all alone
And you need a reassuring smile or gentle hug
I will
I’m probably gonna need all of these things as well
Because we’re all pretty much the same
We all walk our walk and live our life and play some silly games
But friendships and family
Are always there in our hearts
And if you just need to be loved and told that you matter
And you’ll always be an important part
I will
“Jewels” is a story about seeing worth where others may see none. Through a simple act of kindness, one lonely man discovers that the things he treasures—and the heart behind them—have value. Sometimes all it takes is one person willing to look closely enough to see what is truly precious.
Jewels
He was without a home
He wandered aimlessly in the street
But he’d always noticed the pebbles
Alongside the road and under his feet
When he wasn’t looking to be fed
Or to find refuge from the storm
He would put the pebbles he collected
In his pocket safe and warm
He loved to take them out and polish them
To make them shiny and the edges smooth
They were beautiful to him
Even though others didn’t really have a clue
To most they were just old rocks
Meaningless and worthless as well
But to him they were precious jewels
As far as he could tell
He walked into a business one day
To find some relief from the heat
A very compassionate young lady
Approached him and offered him a seat
She told him, “I’ve noticed you outside
As you sit and polish your stones
It hurts me to see you
On that hot street so all alone”
“Can I see some of your stones
Because I love beautiful things
I think maybe they could be priceless
Maybe a necklace or a nice set in a ring”
He reached into his pocket
To pull out his gems
He gently laid them out on the table
He couldn’t be prouder of them
He thought he was the only one who loved them
How they’d sparkle in the light
He wasn’t sure if she’d like them
But if she didn’t it would be alright
She slowly picked up one after another
Held them close to her eyes
Then smiled and patted him on the back
And then to his surprise
She told him she would pay him
For all the stones that he had saved
That he was welcome in her place anytime
And that she had a safe place for him to stay
He didn’t know what to say to her
He struggled to find his words
He had finally found a place to call home
And someone who understood his beautiful gems worth
“What If” is a reflection on friendship in a divided world. It asks whether love, respect, and human connection can survive political, spiritual, and personal differences—and gently reminds us that real friendship does not require perfect agreement, only a willingness to care for one another anyway.
What If
What if I told you I vote Republican
Would our friendship come to an end
What if I told you I am a Christian
Would you no longer be my friend
What if I told you I was straight
Would we no longer be able to talk
What if I told you I was pro-life
Would you no longer be beside me and walk
What if you realized I was white
Would you think that I just don’t understand
What if you found out I was a supporter of Israel
Would you no longer shake my hand
What if I told you I loved you
No matter what you believe
What if I said you’re still my friend
Even if we can’t always agree
What if our friendship was strong enough
Even though we are on separate sides
What if the world knew we both still really cared for each other
And never tried to keep it secret or hide
I don’t hate you because you’re different than me
I still want to be your friend
It’s time we just try to find a safe place together
And find a way to let all this division
Finally come to an end
What If
What if I told you I vote Democrat
Would our friendship come to an end
What if I told you I am an atheist
Would you no longer be my friend
What if I told you I was gay
Would we no longer be able to talk
What if I told you I was pro-choice
Would you no longer be beside me and walk
What if you realized I was black
Would you think that I just don’t understand
What if you found out I was a supporter of Palestine
Would you no longer shake my hand
What if I told you I loved you
No matter what you believe
What if I said you’re still my friend
Even if we can’t always agree
What if our friendship was strong enough
Even though we are on separate sides
What if the world knew we both still really cared for each other
And never tried to keep it secret or hide
I don’t hate you because you’re different than me
I still want to be your friend
It’s time we just try to find a safe place together
And find a way to let all this division
Finally come to an end
“A Trip To The Beach” follows a group of young men sharing stories, hopes, and laughter as they travel toward an unfamiliar shore. What begins like an ordinary conversation between new friends slowly reveals the enormous uncertainty waiting ahead—and reminds us just how young so many of them were when history asked everything of them.
A Trip To The Beach
Bobby loved the ocean
His family went to Florida almost every year
It always made him feel small standing on the beach with
Sounds of seagulls and waves in his ear
What was out past the horizon
Just where would he be
If he got in a boat and traveled
And landed on some far away beach
Those memories were all he could think about
As he finally got his chance to head to sea
He quietly sat in his seat
And thought of those trips with his family
Sitting beside him was a young man named Danny
It was his first trip as well
Bobby could see he was very nervous
It wasn’t really hard to tell
Bobby nudged Danny and asked him if he was okay
Danny told him he’d never been on a boat
And he didn’t remember ever feeling this way
“Don’t worry, everything is gonna be just fine
We’ll probably remember this trip for the rest of our lives
Something to share with our kids and grandkids and even with our wives”
They shook hands and introduced themselves
Danny was from Arkansas and Bobby was from Maine
They smiled and made fun of each other’s accents
As some of the other young men did the same
They all talked about high school
And their beautiful girlfriends and cars
Some even talked about finally being old enough
To walk into their local town bar
Some were going to go to college
Some into a family business in their little town
It seemed the awkwardness of being around so many strangers
Had stopped as they all joked around
Some were getting married as soon as they got back
Ready to start a family and have fun
Their lives were full of hope and promise
Their years of becoming real men had begun
As the beach and their landing got closer
This group of young men continued to talk
Some had grown tired of sitting and got up to stretch their legs and try to walk
Danny told Bobby, “I forgot the name of the beach we’re going to land
I hear it’s a beautiful place
With lots of high cliffs and sand”
He thought for a moment and then remembered
“I’m pretty sure it’s in Normandy, France”
“Yeah, I think you’re right, Bobby
I never thought I’d get the chance
To experience a whole other country so far away from my family and friends
But I must say I’ll really be happy
When this trip is over and this war comes to an end”