for Marianne

I had some sad, sad news today
A dear friend passed away
It has been 57 years
Since we said goodbye that day

Together at school, at church, at play
Never a cross word one
As children we were content to be
Little girls, having fun

We'd sit under a backyard tree
In summer, pets about
Sewing clothes for favorite dolls
Future designers, no doubt

And then my family moved away
Days on end of tears
Across the miles our letters sailed
Through many growing-up years

Her voice was like an angel
An artist in many ways
I'd love to see the drawings
She did in later days

Our Christmas cards packed full of news
Of weddings, children, grands
How faithful year by year they came
Despite all life's demands

I always felt I'd see her
Again in these long years
Now I know that's not to be
And so, I shed more tears

But then I think how blessed I've been
To have had such a friend
And I feel sure in Heaven we'll meet
Friends together again