Offers

Even before the steam wafted away
before the sodden carpets pulled
and the charred rubbish hauled off
before the painful news got out
that this was no mistake

The offers arrived
for builders, rugs and paint
money, flowers and food
stronger light on darker days

Through gentle acts of grace we learned
their needs are small
these colleagues and friends

The beauty of their souls revealed
the most important things they know
are friendship, faith and time

Remembering Our Code

We had a deal, you and I
as kids we took an oath
The enemy of my friend is my enemy
always there for each other

We survived the sixties
raised by distracted mothers and TV
Walter and Nixon and Bradys
the clothes we’d sooner forget

When we got older and you got boobs
somehow I didn’t but learned
to like boobs other than yours
and still we remembered our promise

The occasional glance across the room
reminded us we’d look out for each other
through your clumsy boyfriends and my coarse girlfriends
we had a deal

I wondered what happened when you heard the code
the dark hamster soars on the turbulent wind
wondered where you were when I needed you
didn’t we have a deal?

Then I learned too late
you were going through your own private hell
a hell you thought too big to sound the code
to call on your old friend for help

Though now
everyone wishes you would have
sister friend

~ J. D. Mackenzie

(inspired by NaPoWriMo prompt #12 Secret Codes)