I am fortunate in life
To have a few lifelong friends
People I grew up with
In Berkeley
And still proud to be called
My friends

For the last two weeks
We have had weekly zoom sessions
And grew even closer
Than before

My best friend is Robert
An actor all his life
A man I admired
Throughout my life

Matt is the steady companion
That has always been there
For me over the years

Robert C is an old drinking buddy
And companion from high school days

Mark K and I share a birthday
One year apart
Yet very different personalities

Tony R was more Robert S's friend
But joined in our weekly zoom session
Always with a laugh
Lightening the mood

Steve T occasionally chimes in
From New Orleans
My first gay friend

Pat G the ex-marine colonel
Also chimes in from far off Washington
We had become friends in DC
When we both served there.

To all my friends
On zoom and elsewhere
I appreciate you more than you know
And salute you
On this international friendship day.