sonnet for aging friends
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Five warm bodies out in the asphalt maze, 
The street people shiver and implore us.
Crowded around a dying trashcan blaze,
We watch, in awe, the smoke do tricks for us.
Two childhood friends (with three to tagalong)
Travelled four hundred miles to find themselves
Together again over age and song.
Given up thoughts of fantasy and elves.
In return, those of opposite genders.
'Was it that great a trade?' she asks tonight.
I can only howl and stoke my embers.
We are grown, and it finally feels right.
Voices one in cacophonic chorus, 
We walk and make the smoke do tricks for us. 

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by daniel brummel, 1998