We met at the gym
and found what we’d been missing,
friends our age.

We worked out together,
shared recipes,
went out to dinner.

No one lost weight,
but we all felt better.
Friends do that for you.

The pool closed,
and I found a new gym
and a new set of friends

until 2021 happened.

The girls from the old gym
got new knees,
and we learned new skills.

Vaccinated and boosted
we meet now to weave baskets
and talk gardening.

New friends and I
have returned to the gym.
We’re all wiser now

knowing
that absence really does
make the heart grow fonder

but gathering
makes the heart lighter.