R.E. Slater - An Old Friend (a poem)

An Old Friend

by R.E. Slater

I sat behind my writing desk

as an old friend would

to discuss the day’s events,

ideas, or people I've met,

 or odd assortment of complaints,

in whichever mood of tiredness,

happiness, torment,

or humor I bore

to its warm wooden surface

so thoughtful and reflective

of my many tempers

blessed or disturbed.

Daily it seems we converse

of this or that,

or that and this,

brooding upon the many items

that had befallen my wandering path

through the courses of the day

so that after a little while,

when tempers are tucked away,

and distilling moods inlaid in script,

I wearily leave its good-natured ear
to re-enter a madding world

deaf to my abandonment.

More reassured of my purposes,

having settled mine own responses

made surer in my heart

when none other had provided

the listening comfort

my weary soul sorely needed

during that hour of the day

when feeling overwhelmed

to life's desperate inquisitions

so harsh and unfeeling

to a hopeful heart wishing

only peace and contentedness.

- R.E. Slater

January 14, 2015
rev Jan. 29, 2015

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