TWICE
I moved into this house a few years ago. I moved into this house a few years ago.
Within a month or so I met a neighbor. Within a month or so I met a neighbor.
I didn’t really meet the neighbor. I didn’t really meet the neighbor.
We sort of grew aware of each other. We sort of grew aware of each other.
He was a little odd at first but
I came to like him,
He could be a little intense at
Times but that was not why I liked him.
I like him because he was
Smart and knew that I enjoyed
His company without making
A big deal out of it.
I think he started to speak to me soon
After we met. How did I know this?
All would be quiet when I went out and sat
By the fence in a chair with a table.
Then he would speak to me in his peculiar
Way. He had a habit of stating something
And then repeating word for word
The same thing.
I gave him the nickname “Twice”.
He would surprise me, as he was won’t
To do, by speaking directly to me without
Salutation. Something like, “Hello, Hello!”
“I saw you come out. I saw you come out.”
“You’re a little earlier today. You’re a little
Earlier today.” I would look around for him
And say, “There you are! How are you?”
But he would not answer. I could feel his
Eyes on me. At times I had to welcome
Him and not try to make a big deal of it. I think
He was listening at the same time he was being secretive.
When I began answering his opening comment
I took a chance and used the name “Twice”.
I’d say, “Hello, Twice. Nice to hear you!”
I’d keep it short, brief, as they say.
It seemed to be o.k.
Over time he would stop all conversation
And then begin again.
It was our time to acknowledge one another.
Oddly enough, if I had to describe
Him it would be in a general sense,
He was good at staying out of my direct line
Of sight.
He chose to remain friends but nothing more,
To be buddies or pals was out of the question,
To be honest I was relieved to know this would
Be as close as we would get.
G. M. Goodwin
September 24, 2024
Playing Fair and Being Kind 