She could be harsh sometimes cruel
like the character in the book we discussed
in book club, negative ugly judging.
But she had extraordinary qualities too
a capacity for loving and accepting
the quirks of those she loved that
far outstripped my own
the playfulness of a child
a consummate sense of humor
a genius for voices accents mimicry
incredible talent with words.
Slammed the phone down in
my ear more times than I can number
and yet I counted myself lucky
to say she was my friend.
