@Twitch She was my first

Before I came to college I was just some nerdy kid.
I never had the chance to do the stuff my Dad forbid,
(But once or twice, and randomly, and off the social grid.)
She grew me up and loved me–nothing wrong in what she did.

Walking there on Amsterdam one passes God’s own house
And as before cool Carmen kids I felt myself a mouse.
I also felt that God approved- my desire he’d not douse.
For God doth smile on friendship, with happiness His spouse.

She held out open arms to me–“they” said it was the case.
I walked there without confidence, with pale unbearded face.
If for the first time in my life I knew of such a place
I’d be spending fewer Friday nights alone and in disgrace.

You know that all I needed was some friends or one or two.
But we all know that there’s really only so much booze can do.
When we went for spicy specials–now there was friendship true!
If you’ve left us here on earth it’s up to heaven that you flew.

My awkward frosh experience–the perfect way to train,
Was all because of you, although your gifts may seem mundane.
My sophomore year ’twas your beer fueled the pong down in McBain,
When I had time to laugh and drink and rest my weary brain.

I was legal by my junior year and you were far downtown,
I had other access to that drink of malty, kindly brown.
But senior year I bought from you my 40 and my gown.
And took the freshmen to you: how the lion earned his crown.

Weep for the nerdy freshman who just needs to know he can,
That fun in in his power, high school’s shame he has outran.
Weep for the pressured sophomore, all her outlets under ban.
And weep for me and my old friend, she made this boy a man.

“Your friend is your needs answered. He is your field which you sow with love and reap with thanksgiving. And he is your board and your fireside. For you come to him with your hunger, and you seek him for peace.” -Khalil Gibran, The Prophet