Where Will You Be?

The tail end of winter dropped its last bit of bitter snow on a lowly town in the north. An icy blanket of light powder dribbled over the pavement and luxuriant fields laden with gardens, and ancient structures.

Disgruntled adults heaved and hoed as they cursed the last tears of the solstice. The shy spring may have been an irritant to those seeking the warmth. But not for I, nor my companions three.

Young and full of joy, winter’s kiss drew us to each other. The musing of sledding, snowball fights, and frost bitten toes, drew our emergence close.

We settled upon the place of meeting where we spent most of our days with a happy greeting.

There we would meet filled with glee

Where will you be? … i'll meet you by the old pear tree

Years had gone by and the cycle continues.

We would be entering highschool soon.

Full of shared excitement and worry. We tackled the unknown together much as we always did.

While the seeds become saplings and the old ways change, fellowship would remain.

Tales of first kisses, gathering at the football game. Talks by the beach on a cold brittle night.

Bikes gave way to cars. Our circle had grown. We ventured forward into the unknown.

While change had taken its inevitable trek, one thing remained. That lovely spot in which we all gathered. I would usually know the answer but still I had to see.

Where will you be?... I'll meet you be the old pear tree

The longests and brightest days of the year were upon us. Summer had risen and its sun in full blossom. The sand of the hourglass fills to the bottom, the fragile sapling turns into a healthy young tree.

The days and years ticked on as they always do carrying with it its trials and tribulation. But my friends were still there to my absolute elation.

After college and studying abroad, gathering became less and less. The future would promise its truest test. While the assemblies were fleeting. It made the times we meet have that much more meaning.

Your wedding, I'd be delighted. Congratulations on your newborn. You're moving cross country. I'm happy for you, that's great.

While our crew seemingly dwinded our love for our home grew stronger. While we're here why don’t we take pictures at our favorite spot just us three

Where will you be? ...I’ll meet you at the old pear tree.

The Summer light dims and Autumn marches on

The chill of midnight lifts the dessert finch from its perch singing its parting song.

Through heartache, loss, regret grief and love the friendship remains strong

The passion faded like ambers from a raging fire. But not a moment too soon because these three gentlemen would soon retire

The days become shorter, the nights cold. The friends of yesteryear have now grown old

Everyone was where they wanted to be . Meeting again was bittersweet you see

Cool wisps of wind breeze by wilted leaves knocking them free.

Where will you be? ...I’ll meet you at the old pear tree.

Life is a circle round it goes it found its way back to winter once more.

Here I sit an old man cold, alone and broken-hearted. For my friends have long since departed.

Broken, battered and bruised, my memories fade,

of which I didn’t get to choose.

I stroked the tree from its roots to its withered branches. Etched with memories and times of old, the memories came back, reclaiming its hold.

This once lonely man who’s lost memories left him deeply saddened. Is woken a new because he was just happy they happened

Where will you be?