Ruth and Herb

Seated opposite Ruth and next to Herb
At the half empty restaurant,
We spoke to the very attentive waiter,
With light humor featured as starters.

Friends for twenty five years
Herb, my senior by almost two decades,
Allowed me to parrot his beer order.
“Not now, but with the meal”.

Ours is something of a father-son relationship
That’s become more apparent the last few years.
Herb and I exchange hugs and smiles,
And frequently touch one another.

Ruth, many years Herb’s junior, has become family too.
A confidante of Diana’s, and a friend to me.
The four of us share many sympathies,
And, often, honest conversation.