An unlikely friendship we formed
Hard to define or explain
Never bound by rules or age
Rather by mutual ideas and thoughts
Trading ideas on current events
Lively discussions, sharing our views
Exchanging deep sighs
As we heard the news
And each dire report
Of another terrorist onslaught
Or sending me in search
Of an enlightening interview
Exciting me to compose uplifting prose
On birth and joy
Encouraging me to write
That poignant story
Of pathos and tragedy
A breadth of topics
Rich in their range, we shared
A meeting of minds
A collaboration of souls
Amazement upon her recitation
In perfect, rhythmic time
Of one of her prolific poems
Brimming with pearls of torah
And wisdom
Pathos and hope
Brilliant erudition
Mesmerized by her sharp mind
And clear portrayal
Awed by her unhesitating
Flawless delivery
At her behest – I transform
Some of her prose to song
And with her joie to vivre
And constant joy of discovery
She is elated
By this new transformation
Eternally young in spirit
And sense of adventure
Ever honest and steadfast
In her set of beliefs
Our was a friendship
I shall ever cherish
Steeped in humor
Deep in thought
Memories – of Irene
And a myriad lessons taught.