Nuggets of Gold

 Day after day became monotonous,

I’ve slipped into a secure cocoon of each

day repeating the day before — Active? Yes

but repeating – repeating – same motions –

same faces – depressions?  I guess so, mildly.

I followed my daily routine, did the necessary

things, until three very special faces reappeared

before me, stepped out of the not to distant

past.  They came alone, had no connection with

each other.  Within a week, they each met me,

smiling, hugging, bringing an inner glow I had

almost forgotten.  They were as family

to me – very special.  I became sharply

aware of the void I had been in, how much I

had missed them.  How stupid of me to have

neglected dear friends.  I had thought of them,

should call them, should see them.  But always some

excuse was conveniently there.  Or, I’ll do it

tomorrow.  How could I have taken my dear friends

for granted?  Where were my priorities?  I was

struggling to pay my dues, meet my obligations

and neglecting my most valuable possessions —

My friends – My nuggets of gold.