Dinner With A Friend

friends don’t
always
agree

but they
usually find
some common ground

i never
really
expected a reply

but the
invitation
was sincere

i explained that he
didn’t have
my vote

i disagree with
many of his
policies

but i thought
it would
be good

for us to enjoy a
quiet meal
together

dinner
at
my place

steak and veggies
on the grill
conversation

opportunity to enjoy
an arizona sunset
together on the back patio

after
my initial
disbelief

i answered
questions
for the security service

gave them
a copy of my
resume

a few
professional and
personal references

i’m sure
there’s a dossier
about me somewhere

i found a couple of
marbled ribeyes
roasted some root vegetables

tossed
a simple
caesar side

made sure there
was wine
cold beer and coffee

ordered tiramisu
from the local
Italian eatery

he commented
on the view
over scotch on the rocks

as i grilled
the meat
to perfection

we sat at the table
across from each other
savoring the meal

a few glasses of wine
then we retired
to the patio

i gave him
my
usual seat

the one
with the best
view

we discussed
many
things

i’m sure i
rolled
my eyes

at a few
of his comments
about healthcare

i’m sure he did
a few eye rolls
(although i didn’t notice)

at my naïveté
regarding
business and politics

as the sun
descended
behind the mountain

we oohed
and ahed
together

at mother
nature’s
colorful show

we each
expressed love
for our country

and shared some
common concerns
about the future

he thanked me
for my
hospitality

i expressed
gratitude
for his visit

we both said
let’s do this
again soon

as
air force one
took to the sky

i thought
we certainly live
different lives

i felt honored
and troubled
and relieved

that he
is a
man

flesh
and
blood

making the
best of
his life

to the
best of
his ability

just
like
me

neither
of us
perfect

neither
of us
totally right

neither
of us
totally wrong

both
of us
able

to appreciate
challenges and
opportunities

on
the table
before us

© 2020 Raibeart Bruis