Rudy's Pizza

And He walks with me, and He talks with me,

And He tells me I am His own;

And the joy we share as we tarry there,

None other has ever known.

-Charles A. Miles

He changes his pace to match mine

his gait is easy, no hurry

not at all restless

we walk slow

down Chestnut Street

with Bellingham Bay

laid out before us.

At Rudy’s

we order my favorite pizza

split a pitcher of beer.

He listens to me explain

what empty feels like

makes sure my glass is full

maintains eye-contact

doesn’t change the subject.