A friendship through the years

The Long Version

We met as girls. Nearly thirty years later, there is still so much to tell each other—and always something to laugh about.

This is a little place for a long friendship: the stories, the music, the mischief, and the years we keep finding our way through.

We’re beginning with a music box and two girls trying very hard to look innocent.

Poetry by the Hearth

You Know the Ones

Our first keepsake · A poem by Casey Edwards

Turn the key. There’s a little mischief inside.

Two friends, still sharing a laugh. An original music-box waltz, made for this poem.

Press play whenever you’re ready. Open the audio.

If I could make you a music box,I would put two girls inside,trying very hardto look innocent.

You know the ones.

Turn the little brass keyand there we’d be,halfway through a conversationthe years had interrupted.

One of us would say somethingentirely inappropriate.The other would tryto look disappointed.

Neither of uswould be convincing.

I would leave roomfor the women we have become:your music,my pages,the lives we needa whole afternoonto tell each other about.

Nearly thirty yearswould be a great dealto fit inside a little box.

We’d manage.We have always hadmore to say.

You called me an author,and somewhere in mea girl unfoldeda hidden scrap of paper.

I wish you could have seenwhat opened in me.

I would put that in the box, too.

And you—with your stubborn opinions,your kindness,the joke you are savinguntil I take a sip of something.

I would know youin the middle of any story.

When the little tune runs out,we’ll leave the lid open.

Tell me the long version.

I’ve missed the wayyou tell it.