Heathcote on Friends.
I’ve led a pretty varied life and travelled round no end.
Although I never had a wife I always had a friend
for Hugh has been my buddy through the absences I made
but I only made acquaintances in places where I stayed.
A traveller may venture to this planet’s farthest ends
and make acquaintance with a lot of folk but not make friends.
True friends are not made in a month, a week or in a day;
they need to get to know you ‘coz for that you have to stay.
I ended up in Sydney town and started working there
for Hugh said I should settle down and ‘live life on the square’.
While there I met this Maori girl who changed my ways of life
and changed her name to Hinemoa Giffen as my wife.
We married here in Christchurch where we both came back to live
and, to each other’s happiness, most everything we give.
While I still travel quite a bit, my Hinemoa spends
a lot of time with people who are fast becoming friends.
I must say that our neighbours, in the near community sense,
aren’t always very friendly though they live just through a fence.
I no longer dump our rubbish there ‘coz they’ve built their fences high
but I don’t like them anyway, no matter how I try.
You can only form a friendship with a person that you like
and unless they like you too it’s just one more unlucky strike.
If you have two or three real friends you can count yourself most blest
for they will grow to understand you better than the rest.
My very best friend is of course the one with whom I live
and, to my wife Hinemoa, everything I have I give.
Heathcote Giffen, August 6th.2008.
Author notes
I’ve led a pretty varied life and travelled round no end.
Although I never had a wife I always had a friend
In a list
A contest entry
- CONTEST #35 FOR HUGH WYLES FAVORITES ONLY by huguenauties.
750 points, ended August 23, 2008, 15 entries
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
Please tell me what you think
Comments
1 - 8 of 8
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Awwww My dear Heath, We have each other and that matters the most. We have many acquaintances that we associate with, but most of all we have Hugh, Edna, Joan and Bob that are our very best friends that will last forever.
there's that cute picture of you again 
Your loving wife
Hine
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Dear Heath, You've led a very colourful life dear Cuz that eventually lead you to finding Hine, the love of your life. And don't worry about your neighbours as long as you keep to yourselves you'll be fine.
A great poem you've written. Good luck in the voting.
Love Jen
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very well done
I have a travelling life too, and feel the truth of your verses. I am blessed with a loving husband, a few dear friends and a lot of good acquaintances. I particularly feel
"You can only form a friendship with a person that you like
and unless they like you too it’s just one more unlucky strike."
You have a lot of wisdom here - from experience, the only real sort. Best of luck!
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excellent~
Enjoyed your poem very much
Also the photo you included as well
I think of my hubby as my best friend as well
Best of luck in the contest
Hugs
Susan~~~
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Fortunate is the one who can travel far and near
The drawback being, there's few to lend an ear
So count your blessings anyway, dear Heathcote
As we enjoy this bit of life you've shared in what you wrote
Good luck in the contest
Dee
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True, true, true
Dear Heath,
It's true what you say, you can travel the world and not make friends. I remember when you came to Sydney and met Hine, you were both smitten instantly, now look at the both of you, happily married.
You and Hine are both fortunate to have each other.
And the friendship between you and Hugh is one that has been close and will continue to be that way.
Lovely poem dear nephew.
Love AJ
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Well done!
Very often we marry our best friend. I think when our spouse is also our best friend, we have the best chance of having a successful marriage.
I enjoyed your poem and I'm glad you included a photo. I wondered what you looked like (especially after reading about your seemingly limitless energy and enthusiasm for bedroom calisthenics with Hinemoa).
Best of Luck in this contest!
<3 Maureen
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Dear Heathcote,
Yes, we have been friends for a long time and even in the years when you were travelling abroad, your postcards arrived regularly each month so I knew you were OK. Unfortunately, I couldn't reply in most cases because 1. you didn't usually give me any address and 2. you were never long enough in one place for return mail to reach you. It was good to hear, months later, that you had collected the letters I sent to Post Restante in Berlin and New York.
Now that you and I are living in the same city, things are much different and it's great to see that you and Hinemoa are so happy together. She is a splendid woman in every way and Edna and I are delighted for both of you.
Your poem is well written and deserves good luck in the voting on 22nd. I'm proud to be your friend.
Applause and love, Hugh (R.)
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