When I was a child in the 70’s, I had a friend named Mark.

When we were together he was gasoline.  I was the spark.

Life did what it did, as it’s done to many.

Mark Baker’s my buddy, and not just any.

When I couldn’t, ride a bike, I hopped, on the back of yours.

We were Batman & Robin:  "Not Sold In Stores".

When nothing else failed, it’s off, to "Devil’s Dips".

Sliding down the hills, playing army, with sticks.

We played, in bushes, putting butterflies in, spider-webs,

thinking, it was funny, watching spiders, getting fed.

And oh my goodness, the trees, climbing-all-day-LONG!

Pretending, we were, ANYTHING; and, NOTHING, went WRONG!

The walks we took, along the railroad tracks, on our way to, Athens Park,

going swimming;  but getting home, long, before dark.

Sometimes, we’d make pit-stops, at my auntie Bettye’s spot.

If we were lucky we swam there free, when it got hot.

Those days were long ago;  but memories stay fresh.

Where ever you are. I pray you are blessed

I wrote this while you’re alive!;  so don’t think, it’s an o-bit.

Strangely, you were on my mind, thinking bout, all we did.