Annette Spykerman - Hooks

The Hooks

A tribute to JP, by Annette Spykerman

“Hooks to hang friendships on"

So said he — JP

I heard and I listened 

Hesitantly emerged from my safe cocoon 

A lifetime sheltered in anonymity.

To be brave can be lonely.

I now watch the gathering of lives

Who had known their peaks and their valleys;

Now sharing their harvest of families and journeys,

Feasting on memories, 

Stories within stories...

A world of ongoing discovery for me;

Opportunities to embrace, or not...

These are the hooks

The hooks to hang friendships on

As we walk on mountains or along green belts

Adventures at times, sharing transport, experiences and laughter.

Humility also, as we surrender to the unknown, 

Uninvited challenges to test us time and again.

Courage and effort our daily mantra; dependence too...

But the hooks of solidarity will carry us through.

So dear friends, welcome each new dawn,

A day you have never seen before,

Another blank canvas to colour with moments of brightness,

Birdsong and music, 

Or stillness to soothe the soul.

And always there are the hooks

The hooks of friendship to carry us through.