Genetics, of course, leave marks.
Proximity, also, has influence.
Known since 7-years-olds, second grade;
One short-end-of-block between homes;
Frequent contact, daily during summers;
Taught me to ride a bike; matching sailor
Hats, yellow T-shirts, and tan Wrangler jeans;
After watching Charlie Chan, walking back
Home down middle of street at midnight.
Making up mnemonics to study biology.
Post-junior-college moves--last two
Baccalaureate years at state colleges in
Southern Minnesota and Eastern North Dakota.
Got on with adult loves, work, and lives.
Christmas cards, occasional e-mails.
Reconnect at 50th High School Reunion
On Minnesota's Iron Ore Range.
Shared childhood photographs.
Regular Sunday phone conversations.
Summer, 2014, All-Class Reunion,
Preceded by several days at her home,
During which we discovered similarities.
Similar moral/ethical codes;
Similar level of tidiness;
Similar red decorative accents;
Same red frying pan;
Similar taste in clothing styles;
Same taste in clothing stores;
Same green earrings.
Similar easy laughter.
Emotional comfort in her company.
Physical comfort in her home.
Blood is thick; propinquity is powerful.
Ann Beth Blake
(c) August 12, 2013
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