LUNCH WITH JOHNNY ALUMS

Cyril Paul

June 6, 2001

Driving home from lunch today

An overcast, misty sky this Wednesday

Regularly we gather each month to feast

On our oneness in the spirit of brotherhood.

That’s understood, but this special togetherness

Provides the glue which, somehow connects

The gaps we’ve all encountered at a shorter time

On our journey from that sacred space

To the spaces beyond our individual horizons.

Not from duty do we converge

Nor is it from pride for overcoming mediocrity

Mercy! What is that pray tell.

Nor is it the desire to wag willful tongues.

No, we’re not characters of Dante’s hell

No wallowing in yesterday’s glory

I would be daft to attempt a definition

For the gathering of St. John’s Alum

It’s simple for me. Rather, this simpleton

Suggests the gathering presents a joyful atmosphere

A restoration of hearty spirits all sincere

Reaching out to each other in communion

Sharing kindness, humor, support, even in derision

Love and graciousness that is for sure

In fact, the gathering supports much more.

But the happiness inside me is real, radiant

With yesterday’s restoration I feel an implant

My young adult past reshaping itself

And that to me is so very, very good.