MAYNARD

Maynard
who graduated Junior High
two years after me
though one year younger
stayed with his high school sweetheart
instead of college
for some of the typical reasons.

I would see Maynard
sometimes
during breaks or holidays.
He would be on streets
pushing strollers,
talking to neighbors.

I heard of him, but we didn’t talk.
We’d never never been that close
and changes in life
drew us further apart.
But I watched him
when I could
and often thought
“It could have been like that for me…”

I’ve visited my parents
more often lately
as they’re getting on in years
and I’ve required increased subsidies
and I have seen how Maynard is doing.

He is on the streets as much
but he is respected.
A manager
an executive
a hometown boy
who has done good.
His wife has remained by his side
and seems satisfied.

Maynard looks happy
and his daughter
has grown up beautiful
and hot.