first day at college
first person I met
across the hall suite mate
from longkisland
we walked to orientation
slight southern lady politely
thick southern drawl
do things on Taime
don’t get Behaind
first belly laugh in college
first time I did not feel alone
fast forward 35 years
many many memories
my friend died too soon
sheepish full mouth grin
sharp wit
ability to talk paint off a wall
immediate knowledge of a person’s
strengths and weaknesses
firmly held opinions
love for family friends hobbies
will all be missed
over time
but he will not be left behind