Old friends feel like
a poem by Peter M. Ivey
Old friends feel like
refrigerating rain on a tropic summer day, a slice of sticky-sweet name-your-berry pie, a storm-blown trail still recognized, a chortle from the gut that makes you cry, grinning like a chimp behind a speedboat, forearms like putty, inner-child aflame, a tickle in your toes on rollerblades, bodysurfing like a boss on Atlantic waves, shifting through the turns on backroads, strength and peace vibrating under ancient oaks, a hidden field that never fails to yield fruits worth a dance, a hallelujah, a feast.
An Invitation
What word, phrase, or image in today’s poem captures your attention, draws emotion, or catches your breath?
Consider reading the poem again slowly. Then spend some time in listening prayer. Is there an invitation you sense God extending to you in today’s poem? A kindness being offered? A reminder?
Are there any old friends coming to mind? Consider praying for them or shorting them a quick text to tell them that you love them.
I’d love to hear your thoughts on today’s poem! Consider sharing your favorite line or a thought it’s brought about.
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Peter, this makes me long for long friendships. Having moved around a good portion of my life, those kinds of friends are few and far between and so precious. Thank you for reminding me who they are and my love for them!
That last stanza, Peter, wraps up a relationship I had for 50 years, and the friend died a few weeks ago. The words of that stanza are like a warm and cozy afghan reminder of time with Susan. Thank you for those words.