He’ll always go home in that fitting brown aloha shirt
Faded Reyn’s from years of favorite wear and wash
The cycle repeated until the sun wore down
His beard cut close as it would be in the end
As I round the corner we come face to face
Both stopping short, his old familiar smile
Surprise and not surprise, a gesture made with a smile
Relaxing to a nod, his hands thrust in his pockets
‘So I heard you wanted to see me,’ he says smiling
Hard to tell if he’s kidding or being sincere
Where he would have heard this, I’m not quite sure
But it’s so true it’s as if he could read my mind
‘Is it all right?’ I ask, since he’s been gone a while
‘Pretty good so far, if you want to know the truth’
‘No complaints at all?’ I ask, although not doubting his sincerity
“The beer’s always cold,’ he assures me, ‘and the shoes stay hot’
We shake hands and he says he looks forward to the time
When we’ll drink and toss shoes, and not to worry at all
He strolls away with that casual blue jean saunter and heel worn slippers
I burn the letter again and see the smoke follow after him
Lanning Lee 