Joyce

Poem about a long time friend

I remember how it all began
how she greeted me, her smile, her jester
I felt her warmth, her sincerity,
she pulled me into her sphere
with a smile that you would want to see again.

We were close in age by three years
our husbands worked together
my husband knew her from school
I was suspicious; she was so pretty
would I be able to over come my fears?

She had everything going to her favor
friends, family, smarts and looks
great job, dental assistant
I, a secretary; I felt intimidated
but she put me to ease; no quaver!

We were soon becoming close
I was asked to play on her baseball team
we played cards, went to movies with our guys
my fears left, my confidence she helped built
soon we were sharing recipes; having a toast!

Quickly, Joyce could make many friends
it was in her being to like everyone
she put everyone at ease; old time friend
conversation was a gift she carried
and she could dress, look to the tens.

She remembered birthdays, children's names
she knew games, oh so competitive
but she hated to lose big time, ouch!
don't ever let her down when in a game
you will find out she was the lion you could not tame.

She could forgive, was sweet with her presentation
she would call to apologize for her rudeness
never holding a grudge; laughing it off
those blue eyes got her miles of forgiveness
coming from Joyce, never a hesitation.

Funny to the bone; she mixed up her cliches
she would laugh at herself, tears rolling down
her laugh pulled you in; we all followed suit
it was her artistic power, skill we envied
we all knew she was good at turning a phrase.

Years have gone by, we moved away
phone calls made it seem it was yesterday
life got in the way; then states divided us
every birthday we both called; not the same
different roads taken; different games played.

Last year, a part of my world stopped turning
Joyce died suddenly; heart they say
it was as if I could not speak; lump in my throat
where was the laughter, where were the tears
a loss so great my heart will always be burning.

I miss you Joyce.