Friendship is deeper than words can express
When friends are true it brings happiness
It cannot be measured by dollars or miles
Nor can it be found in outwardly smiles

It's something you hold ever close to your heart
It cannot be false, you can tell it apart
When looking for friends, we must realize
That we're not as perfect as we might surmise

We all have our faults, and I'm sorry to say
I have quite a few, but it's good in a way
For it shows me my friends, the ones that are true
I'm a darn lucky guy to have a good friend like you

I met Harry in 2011 at my 50th high school reunion. He was beginning to fail then, but I could easily sense the gentle lightness of his being.  At that time Harry  gave me a tiny book of poems, including the one I quote below. I have shared this poem with people of all ages and persuasions, and find it a sustaining guide for navigating the uncertainty of the times. It is displayed above my desk. 

I only saw Harry one other time, last year in his home. He was bedridden, and It was hard for him to talk. But when I spoke of my love for Janet, his response came slowly with effort but clearly and full of heart:  " I'm lucky! "  ......

....and so am I, for this small glimpse of a wonderful person.


A Letter to My Life

Dear Life,

Be kind and comforting
when I mourn
Be  happy and vibrant
when I celebrate
Be patient while
I choose my path

Be forgiving and
understanding
when I make mistakes
Be aware and supporting
when I choose wisely
Carry me softly on 
your gentle breath so
I and upright and honest

True to myself and others
and to the memory of my
ancestors 

by Harry Nagel

I’m just a leaf that’s changing colors

I’ve hung around for quite a while

I’ve felt the rain and seen the sunshine

and made a lot of people smile

and now it’s time for me to leave you

but I don’t want you to frown

cause in the spring when you look up

you’re sure to see me hanging round

I’ll be all the shades of green

all shapes and sizes too

and in the spring when you look up

I’ll have a smile that’s just for you

I give you a white rose, my darling

I give you a white rose, my love

and every petal of this rose

Is a memory of you

I give you a white rose, my loved one

for all of the love we have shared

I give you this white, white rose

to carry along with you

I know that when we meet again, dear

wherever it turns out to be

I’ll know who you are

you’ll know who I am

and you’ll be giving this rose back to me.