Despite going to school

with Bob

from grade 5,

we didn’t become friends

until after school,

bonding over music.

Whenever I was at Bob’s place

his mum always took care

of me,

plying me with drinks

and Chocolate Monte biscuits.

But what stood out

was the love and care

in that service.

I never heard her

raise her voice

yet when she said ‘Robert’

in a particular tone

I knew she meant business.

Many years have passed

and now, sadly, so has she.

I realise part of my past

is gone, too.

I will remember her love.