FRIENDS |
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I know that a number of you enjoy
reading what Rod has to say about his friends - particularly when their birthdays come
around. This tribute to George Putnam, first
published in the Flight Plan of July 14, was one that struck a chord with me.
Todays birthday list is, as usual, the current one.
- Ken, Johannesburg, December 14.
GEORGE PUTNAM
Old friends are the best. A cliché, true. But cliches
exist, become so, because they always contain a grain of truth. I've known George, and his
beautiful other half Sally, for 30 years or so. Actually it seems like all my life. About
the only thing we disagree on is politics. He knows that, me too. So, in all these years
we've never had a political conversation. That's the kind of man and friend he is. We talk
about everything else because we have everything else in common. Animals, Peggy Lee,
nature, music, love of country and love of each other. In the last few years when I
haven't wanted to talk to anybody or discuss big problems [they weren't] or open up to
anyone or anything, I lost a lot of friends. Good friends too, it wasn't their fault that
out of stupidity and self absorption I didn't maintain contact, but George and Sally
always made a point of imposing our friendship on me. When Sinatra died the first
condolence call was from George. He knew how devastated I was and would be. Today is his
birthday. I hope he lives forever. I can't imagine life without him. Just in case though,
I got my eyes on Sally. Happy Birthday George, I love you, Rod.
- Previously Unpublished.
1998
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BY GEORGE |
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By George I set my clock
it ticks on time, Meridian
and every other kind.
By George I listen to the radio
The talk on talk shows, all alike,
predictable and boring.
But not if it's by George.
By George I think that it may
rain, a chilly wind may blow;
But I'll be safe from storms
and such if I'm by George.
- Previously Unpublished, 1998 |
