A Capella
 
Huge auditorium
Lights everywhere
Chattering women at long tables
A meal eaten with laughter
Cheeks a little flushed
From wine not usually drunk
A stage set.
 
The lights dim
Chatter quiets
On stage are red gowned women
All heights, ages and shapes
Glittering earrings, catching light
Nails and lips true red,
Nerves a little jazzed.
 
No musicians,
Just voices
That fill this huge room
With sound that sweetly dazzles.
Song after song
Gentle, sad and funny
Delighting every ear.
 
I watch my friend
Sing with her heart
Then just before the final song
Quietly she slips from near the back
Down to the microphone
With a dedication
To a friend: me.
 
The song dedicated
Is of friendship.
Amazed tears run down my face
Stunned eyes can not unwatch
Through thick and thin
We have been friends
For a quarter of a hundred years.
 
The song is over
Applause loud and long
Rising from seats they still applaud
This was a celebration true
Of life and love
Of music and joy
And  friendship.
 
Contagion spreads
Friends kiss and hug
Glad to have each other near
A stranger walks up to me
Kisses my cheek and says
"You must be
A wonderful friend"
 
Thank you Karen
For being my friend.
Stern sometimes, critical and wise
Caring, loyal and honest.
The attributes
Of a friend
More than wonderful

Dawn McDonald
May 2003

Midi: "I Got Rhythm"

Art: "Singing"
Artist: Shayne Huang