A Poem for Thanksgiving 11.28.24

The following is a poem written after spending time with three different couples while visiting Austin, Texas. When I think about the things I am thankful for, right behind family is good friends. The following poem reflects that so much. The funny thing is that I wrote another poem 10 years ago after spending time with one of those same couples in Houston. That poem follows this one.

Tea in Austin 11.17.24

Our stay in Austin is nearing its end 
With a week of splendid weather
Wandering the Hill Country
With friends who came with us 
And friends who live here
Who are now back in Virginia

Our friends from Houston arrive
And we are eager to catch up
And to reconnect 
Since being together ten years ago
Seeming so long ago,
And yet, like yesterday

As always, we freely share
Our joys and sorrows
Not missing a beat
Since being neighbors
Raising our children together
On the same street years ago

As we drink tea under the afternoon sun
We muse about the passage of time
And how fate’s wandering hand 
Has created paths and futures 
Different than what we envisioned 
For ourselves and our children

Later, as we sit together on their porch
The deer approach and lazily graze 
As the sun sinks in the Texas sky
Creating a surreal canvas of life
And I want to take this moment
And hug it tight and never let it go

Mojitos in Houston 1.7.14

We are dining with friends
At a favorite eatery
I raise my glass 
To the scent of mint 
And I am lost in the moment
With friends in conversation


We move between light laughter
And heavy personal reflections
Enjoying every minute 
Of authentic exchange
Four Souls exposing themselves
Just wanting to connect

I am most content
With people who are open 
If someone should ask 
What is happiness?
I would say sipping mojitos 
With good and brave friends