If we’re lucky as we go through life, we meet a few wonderful people who become our special friends (‘Golden Friends,” if you will)… people you can trust (even more than family) who always are there, accepting you, (even with all your foibles and eccentricities).

Who knows what the attraction is that draws people together? I m sure it would be difficult to pinpoint, and then verbalize, why some friendships deserve the title “Golden,” and some don’t.

Here then is the May 2026 Poem Of the Month, STAYING IN TOUCH, a tribute to Golden Friendship. I hope you enjoy it. 

STAYING IN TOUCH

It is said that in the final weeks of one’s life
That love and relationships are the things that matter most.
Some people get too busy during their lives
For time with good friends. Golden friendships are best.

It is common for people in a busy lifestyle
To let friendships slip, the togetherness to suspend.
But be careful when moving on in life
That the ones you lose are not your true friends.

Taking care of business and getting affairs in order
Are important for one’s peace of mind;
But money and status aren’t important in the end.
Love and relationships take precedence, you will find.

Ah, here it is … a few days into April, and finally, the Poem of The Month from me..  

Between the Final Four Basketball competition, the opening of the baseball season, the will they-won’t they make it to the finals for the Seattle Kraken hockey guys, and the upcoming traditionally nicest, most gentlemanly competition in golf — the Master’s — all coming to us via satellite, live stream on our television sets (“smart” or not), or on our cell phones, tablets, desk tops, etc., it’s been an interesting challenge to find the right words to share this month. 

Obviously, most of the news I’ve been listening to has leaned more toward entertainment and toward people competing without killing each other… actually shaking hands and giving credit where credit’s due at the end of the match. A nice pat on the shoulder, an actual look into the faces of the members of the competing team… a recognition… 

Why can’t life “out there” be like that?

To counteract the hovering feeling of helplessness it occurred to me that even if we didn’t know what to do to make great strides into solving the problems of the world, there must be some form of action we might take… hence, the title: If You Can’t Do Something, Do What You Can.

The simplest act of kindness towards another human being… a smile, a nod, or a word (hello) (nice day for a walk) might be just the very thing the other person needs to allow his or her attitude abut life change direction to the positive.

I hope you enjoy the poem — April showers of kind, loving thoughts.

Remember, whatever the question, love is always the answer.

IF YOU CAN’T DO SOMETHING, DO WHAT YOU CAN

It’s easy to sit back and observe a situation,
And not let your actions match your thoughts.
You may think that you have nothing to contribute,
But wait! You do! Let me connect the dots:

It all starts with you, and what you believe in.
It requires that you know the right thing to do;
And that is being true to yourself and your beliefs.
It boils down to the statement, ‘The onus is on you.’

First, educate yourself — all aspects and all sides.
Learn before you make a move in any direction.
Some famous people have rung in on the subject.
Their words are reassuring and wise upon reflection.

Maya Angelou suggests “doing your best
Until you know better… and then
When you know better, you can do better.”
Repeat the process again and again.

Do not let what you cannot do
Interfere with what you can” (John Wooden).
“And doubt of whether you can do it at all (Goethe)
Is only removed by action.”

As some of you may know, doing nothing is very hard for me, and as I'm spending most of my time in the healing process these days, it looks as if I am “doing nothing.” (Except: physical therapy for balance, strength, and endurance; occupational therapy to start doing things for myself, like showering, working a little bit in the kitchen… you know, life stuff.)

Between the above mentioned activities, there is a lot of time to sit and stare out the window… and the weather during the last few days of February has provided some amazing sights. Looking to the west I see the beautiful snow-capped Olympic Mountain range; and to the east the Cascade Mountain Range!

But, closer to my residence is a beautiful lake. And, guess what? It was pointed out to me by one of my caregivers that… 

The Water Is Blue! And, so it is! (whenever the sun shines).

The title stuck. I hope you like the poem that followed.

THE WATER IS BLUE

Have you ever noticed that when the sun is shining,
The water always looks blue.
It reflects the color of the sky, of course…
(It could be white, grey or black, too).

It seems that people are drawn to those
Who are happy with their lives;
Who can’t help but share their joy with others;
And who send forth only sunny vibes.

And have you noticed that when you’re happy
Your “sky” is blue, and reflects the same.
You can’t help but share your joy, my friend,
And others' “water” turns blue. It’s part of the game.

Make it a habit to share your sunshine with others!
This is advice for every woman and man.
Be aware that your joy has an affect on others.
Turn their water to blue every time you can.