One Less Friend

The mystery was solved
With no satisfaction
In fact
The news only brought
Sorrow into our lives
We've been wondering
For decades
What happened to our mutual
Best buddy, Jeff
Where did he disappear to
After college
No one could find out
We only wanted to talk to him
And see how he was
If that was possible
But now, it's not
As we finally found out
He succumbed to cancer
Four years ago
It was a real death in the family
All of us had personal experiences with him
We still held close
Something reminding us all
As we grow ever older
Maybe we shouldn't treat each other
So carelessly
As we are all still friends
And could be better ones
Since we are carrying pieces
Of each other's lives
Along the continuing journeys 
Of our own
Willingly
And without complaint

copyright 2022 by Steve Keil
From the book "Cue the Chapman Crane"
Available on Amazon

Cue the Chapman Crane - The video

I recently put together a short film to promote my new book. Here it is.   

On a street near you

When Freddie goes in for the big
Vacuum cleaner reveal
With a wink and a kiss

There isn't a bar in the world

On the wrong side of the tracks

That doesn't cheer him on

Even decades later

It's one of the biggest instant love letters

From any of our stars

To the rest of us nothings below

Without a word spoken

We can hear him say

"That's right, my darlings

Can you believe I'm getting away with this?"

My favorite image of him

Burning away in video foreverland

Too hot for the time

But now quaint in its

Playful non-threatenance

A smile

Which almost makes up for the

Years of pain endured

When he became one

Of the many sudden outlines on the pavement

Like too many others I knew

But name and nuance

Who I also wish I had

A recurring loop to enjoy on a regular basis

While we carry on

Without