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A BIRTHDAY POEM FOR JOYCE

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO JOYCE

Walking to school along Wood Street each day,
We gossiped, we chattered, even  argued on the way.
But always interested in hearing what the other had to say;
O, what great memories we share.

Staying all night when we had a school break,
Eating green beans and pickles and your mom’s chocolate cake,
All night study sessions, trying to stay awake;
O, what great memories we share.

We played the piano, and sang, and told jokes;
We shared family outings, just like all other folks;
Ate hamburgers and french fries and drank all of those cokes;
O, what great memories we share.

There were hayrides and church camps and Laclede County fair;
When I felt sad and lonely, I knew you would be there;
When other friends caused me pain,  I knew you would still care;
O, what great memories we share.

We talked about teachers and boyfriends and grades
And ballgames, and shopping trips, has it been four decades?
But the friendship we were building we know now never fades,
O, what great memories we share.


A Hart-felt card, written August 30, 2001 for Dr. Joyce Jennings-Goff, my “always best friend” from high school days.


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