My Life Long Friend Poem by L. T. Padgett

When I came to Florida for summer break
My mom said go talk to the local boys for goodness sake
I ventured up the driveway not knowing what to do
Happened to run into this motley looking crew
They were very hip could skateboard and surf
Welcoming this Ohio boy to their beachside turf
I was a few years older and began to drive
Some of the crazy stunts we pulled, we were lucky to stay alive
As we became older we didn't talk as much
But me and one of the boys would try to stay in touch
This particular boy became a life long friend
I felt he was a person on whom I always could depend
We may not have seen each other for a couple of years
Eventually we got together and would reminisce over a few beers
He was a very hard working persistent man
And to every challange presented, he met with a plan
He had a serious relationship and not a mistake
Because from this union would emerge his wonderful son Blake
What a fine young man he is growing up to be
I know he made his father proud, it was easy to see
Then he met Julie, his beautiful wife
You could tell this was the love of his life
I cannot think of a better example of how a man can be
He made this earthly realm quite heavenly
So to friends, mom, siblings, son and wife
I know it was to soon that he departed from this life
With much sadness I say my life long friend is gone
But in each of our hearts he will always live on