I pass this small park in the image above.
And on the back side of that pine tree
is this small plaque.
Lord, I only know three things about Ned Davis:
he was born in 1912, died in 1997
and was a good friend of Henry…
And the only thing I know about Henry?
He was Ned’s good friend.
Indeed, raised brass letters testify
to the depth and bond of friendship
shared by these two men…
I wonder…
did they sometimes come to sit and chat
here, in Anderson Park?
Did they rest here after a morning walk
or meet at dusk to share the day’s events?
What joys and sorrows did they share
and help each other bear?
And once his friend had passed,
did Henry still return
to reminisce and entertain again
the friendly arguments, talks and jokes,
once shared with Ned,
his trusted, loyal friend…
Of such things I can’t speak, Lord.
I know only this: Ned and Henry were friends
and I’ll bet they were the best of friends
– and I’m glad they’ve let me know…
What a grace, this small bronze souvenir
of friendship, tried and true!
How many friendships just as strong,
as deep and deeply shared
go unremarked, forgotten, lost
to all but those who shared them?
Make me grateful, Lord,
for my good friends,
for those I hold within my heart
and in whose heart I find my home…
Make me grateful for the many ways
my friends have shared my load,
have made life’s journey easier
by stay by my side…
And if not in burnished lettering
then on your own heart, Lord,
inscribe the names of my good friends
that we might truly be,
best friends forever…
