I just heard that Fred was dead
What's more his funeral's gone
When there's much more to be said
Could have laughed 'bout what we done
So many years ago
Was the brother I never had
In long gone days yesteryear
Got boozed up with other lads
To stagger home full of beer
So many years ago
Drifted apart don't know why
I got wed, so lad's night was off
Rocked our baby lest he cry
If we met, he'd say "Hows the toff?"
So many years ago
At his graveside no words said
When I finally found the place
Funeral over, flowers dead
Would have said "Fred, you're the ace"
So many years ago
Lads love their mates but keep "shtum"
Trust them and stand by their side
We change when real life does come
But not dear Fred and now he's died
"Thanks mate for so many years ago"
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real life... there is a "before" and "after" for some people - lucky for those who stay in touch with friends from their youth. :)
ReplyDeleteWow, I really like how this reads almost as a sea shanty chant and how the legend of Fred beats loud through out! Thanks for posting and viva la!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteYes, I agree with Isadora...There is a sing song to this. It is tough when we lose touch, but life happens.
ReplyDeleteNice read Robin and I had to do some research for "shtum"
ReplyDeleteLearnt a new word.
Happy you dropped in to read mine
much love...
But not dear Fred and now he's died
ReplyDelete"Thanks mate for so many years ago"
Such a true friend well remembered. There is one in the many, Robin!
Hank
Stays in character (no touchy feely stuff among guys) to address a mate strangered by the years. Well done.
ReplyDeleteThe last I saw of a very good buddy was just BEFORE his marriage and going into the service. We guys had a bachelor's party for Joe after he left. I'd have to drive over a hundred miles to his Nebraska home town and the he might be dead or forgotten there. The Internet doesn't know him. Not even google. A fun read, O E, lots of memories came forward. BTW, I had a second go at the other life, for three years, after my first marriage ended.
ReplyDelete..
I've known and lost of couple of Fred's myself. Your words bring back the friendships and the losses.
ReplyDeleteThe friendship was there, even if time spent together was less. Nicely remembered, Robin.
ReplyDeleteI feel how we sometimes drift apart... one is staying the other leaving... I think I have some old friends like that, maybe I should connect before it's too late.
ReplyDeletejust the right balance between sentiment and the masculine bonding, of men of a certain age, time and place - how life walks in and walks out, sometimes with no notice at all .... as the others have said, this has a certain feel that is a fine tribute to a friend long gone
ReplyDeleteIt's good to have the memories, but the longer we go, the more often this happens. It's gotten so I spend too much time wondering if people I'm no longer in contact with are still around.
ReplyDeleteYou've done a good job of capturing the sweetness of it.