The telephone rang the other day.
(This of course is nothing new).
This is Charles is what I heard.
Well, my goodness, how are you?

Thirty years ago, and more, it was
When I first knew this man.
Memories made pictures in my mind
As only memories can.

Stamps from a foreign land
Brought his first mail to me.
He had seen my name somewhere
(I was sort of a celebrity).

After that, for quite a time,
Letters between us swiftly flew.
And not only were there letters
But exchanges of parcels too.

Model airplane kits is what he wanted
But with money could not pay.
So gorgeous glass was what he sent,
The bowls and vases I still display.

I met this man to whom I had written
In an interesting way.
We came from both directions
To Detroit on a Thanksgiving Day.

Charles was in this country then
So it wasn’t all that far.
My wife and I took a plane;
He drove there in a car.

What happened is quite a story
To tell another day.
But it was a weekend full of fun
And that’s all I’ll say.

Charles is a grandfather now
Still living in this country.
He’s written several books
And is the VP of a company.

I hope Charle’s doesn’t mind
That he is the subject of this rhyme.
His voice brought back good memories
Of what was an interesting time.

jhs