Abridged

Friendship seemed improbable at first meeting
not so much reluctant, as uninterested
an investment not likely to pay dividend –
twice removed cousins at a family reunion
why bother?
Wrong!

Catalyzed by circumstance
It becomes Brokeback Mountain – without the messy part.
Frequent trips
to movies
to events
to mountains and river valleys.
Tents and huts
sunsets and crickets
star confetti skies
moon paths and frost
billy tea and dehydrated food.

City boys and wilderness,
improvised closeness.
The curve of time
where memory has been and hope dreams to go.
Matters sotto voce at home
spoken out loud –
unwhispered.
“ My father ….it’s too late now ”
even here ambiguity is intentional
obfuscation planned.
Physical?
Psychological?
Emotional?

I’m allowed to know,
but not why.
I know not to ask. He knows I know not to.