though at first
you were wary
behind your exercise book.
Some years later
published poet, on the way
to an Honours degree.…
Out, you returned
to the thrill of oblivion.
Visiting after I broke my leg
you brought armfuls of food,
your methadone,
your wife and baby son.
I never saw you again;
you just vanished,
our birthday pact
broken that year.
Rumour said you OD’d.
[Poem #18]
Post-script 2019. We both moved house unexpectedly – to different parts of the country – around the same time, and didn't have each other's new addresses. But rumour was wrong. Many years later we met again, and became friends again. He has remained a happy family man.
PS2 2024. He died in October 2023 after battling a severe illness and appearing to have recovered. A month before, he had celebrated his birthday happily, with family (including grand-children) and friends. He did much good in his life and was greatly loved by many.
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