Within her budget of Social Security and a decent pension
In these tight times with prices high,
My sixtyish friend loves McDonald's,
The dollar menu: iced tea, and double cheeseburgers.
We became friends three years ago when I, too,
Moved into the retirement home early.
She took a liking to me and she drove a car.
She took me everywhere, including my first poetry reading,
We listened to Robert Pinsky, bought a book -
She tired of the retirement home, wanted more independence;
Took up a new apartment on the other side of the city.
I am back to riding the bus, waiting for it in the hot summer heat,
Missing my friend, who is living
Within her budget of Social Security and a decent pension
In these tight times with prices high.
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