adventure

meeting an old friend

 You called me last Monday,

You were in town for a week,

And wanted to say hello,

Maybe see each other one more time.

I watched you roll a joint in your bedroom,

A funny new habit you picked up,

Along with the meth and cocaine.

You did lines while I finished your joint,

Perfectly rolled in your experienced hands.

We took a bus to Hollywood,

Both of us too stoned to drive.

We waved at the tourists,

On their double decker busses,

Maps to celebrities’ homes clenched,

In their eager hands.

You got one more tattoo,

A quote by Lao Tsu,

Permanently etched into your skin,

Would you even remember,

I was there with you holding your hand?

We ate at a sandwich shop,

Maybe it was pizza,

I couldn’t remember if I tried.

And called some friends,

Mostly yours,

And yes, that included your dealer,

Mine has never been my friend.

None of them were in Hollywood,

I didn’t think they would be,

You needed more people surrounding you,

All of Hollywood was'nt enough.

So we made our way back to the bus,

The ugly orange one,

We made fun of when we were kids.

I stopped one block away from my house,

Bid you goodbye,

And found my way home.

I still cant believe you got a tattoo,

That you do coke,

And that you’re still so tall and gorgeous,

Like I always wanted to be.

I  think you’re leaving tomorrow,

Maybe we’ll celebrate with one more adventure,

Chances are I’ll never see you again.

But at least you’ll always have Lao Tsu,

To remember me by.

 

~amanda~

Reviews

[Mimozi]

A story poem. Really well written and bitter sweet throughout. We often find ourselves in this position with friends and loved ones we do not see very often...sometimes it feels like they haven't changed a bit (whilst we have) and sometimes they've changed so much it's hard to fathom but there will always be a connection once they remain the same in their hearts..
I enjoyed this and the imagery and emotions it conjures. Food for thought too.
Well done.

[John Stussy]

What an adventure. What a telling. And what sad undertones. Possible to have fun, but still be able to look back and shake your head, sighing. Although, I don't think he needs a Lao Tsu tattoo to remember you by, you seem pretty unforgettable to me.

[emmajoy]

This is an extraordinary piece of writing, more a tale than a poem but it flows, each minute captured with words like a series of paintings. The end truly hits the spot in the emotions. Subtle hints as to the character you're writing about and yourself ... ' You needed more people surrounding you, / All of Hollywood was'nt enough.' .. 'And that you're still so tall and gorgeous, / Like I always wanted to be.'

Think this is going in Favourites because, well, because it breathes, lives, is.

[Eagle Cruagh]

The writing is brilliant !

The characters need to turn themselves in to the
Dr. Phil show.

---- Eagle Cruagh

[Gary H]

This is very intriguing. I guess we all change and have different desires throughout life. When we meet old friends it's in some ways a chance to look back and think about how we once were from seeing the changes in another.

The last line is very fitting.

[Orlando Murcia]

This was Awsome, I always get into adventures when me and my friends smoke tree's
You did a fantastic job on this piece
You didn't hide a thing
and that's what I loved about
it

Great work amanda!!

Orlando

[Bill Grimes Jr.]

So sad and penetrating..........Unfortunately, this demon of addiction and selfishness runs rampant through our friends and loved ones......not just the strangers we see in the gutter.......It kills us swiftly and destroys those around us......Beautiful write my new friend. Necessary and powerful......

Peace,

Bill :-)

[Too Me]

One thing that never changes is that we all evolve over time, wheither we realize it or not. As you have written when "two ships that pass in the night" don't seem to have enough time it can be painful. Keep up the great work! ~ *Lana* :-)

[Paige]

Very powerful, moving, and just generally beautiful in writing and message. It's a sad thing that your friend has changed so much, and in such a negative way.

[Paza]

People change...and not always for the better. Sometimes those friends we had so much fun with when we were younger just never grow up...and we outgrow them. It's hard to admit to ourselves sometimes. I think this is that admission...nice work.

[The Rock And Roll Cowbo..]

It can be disappointing when someone you known so long starts to fall into a sinkhole of life and then seem to drag you into it... maybe it's best you don't see them again or you may end upon the same path... I love the vulnerability of this piece.