Pen Friends

Long Life!

It's probably only my generation that still puts store by what were once called 'pen-friendships'. Yet they have been a source of pleasure to many over the years.

This-morning I received an email in which my German pen-friend, Gerhard, asked Clark, from China, the meaning of the above inscription in his doctor's surgery. I suddenly realised how long it is since I've been a regular correspondent with these two gentlemen, and with Jussi, a Finn and the other member of the group. I know it's ten years ago that the email friendship formed. I treasured our joint letters then and I treasure them now but, as you will see from the verses, something intervened.

PEN FRIENDS

I can't recall how the four of us ignited the first spark;

The other three I wrote to were Gerhard, Jussi and Clark.

Gerhard comes from Germany, he's a very with-it man,

Lecturing, and walking in the mountains when he can.

Clark, who I think of as Mr Tang, is a well-known engineer.
Designing dams is his forte; he travels far and near.

Jussi (pronounced Yersy) is from Finland, in the snow.
A very energetic man, full of get-up-and-go.
*
For years and years we corresponded, often with quick replies.
I learned a lot, for all of them are amusing a quite wise.
Jussi and Gerhard, Europeans, spoke of the currency
And how they thought the future of the continent would be.
Gerhard and Clark, both scientists, spoke more of engineering,
And of the new inventions that were frequently appearing.
I was rather a hanger-on, without much contribution,
But my three friends never mentioned this. There was no retribution.
Politely they responded to my domestic chatter,
And all of them knew charming words with which they aimed to flatter.
We visited Jussi in Finland; he gave us a wonderful time.
The efficiency of that country is something quite sublime.
We called in on Gerhard in Germany; Elisabeth was there;
We enjoyed the hospitality of this delightful pair.
*
But along came Blogging! I was hooked! My letters became few.
Finally they almost stopped; in a year just one or two.
But they've been on my conscience, these three old friends of mine,
And every now and then I think 'I must drop them a line.'
But I'm a Blog fanatic, as they will surely see
When they read these few verses dedicated to the three.
Greetings, Jussi, Gerhard, Clark! 'Long Life!' to one and all.
If you're ever in Australia, don't forget to call!
*
Note: A fifth member of the group, William, an American,died some time ago.