Today I sat down with my friend for lunch
and I don't even remember drinking my coffee
Today I sat down with my friend for lunch, and we began to talk about cancer.
But rather than mention of tumours we spoke of how it feels to not know the answer.
Of the guilt from sending her mum in to get checked, disrupting her happy oblivion,
And how it’s these sorts of moments where it fast becomes clear whether you really believe in religion.
Today I sat down with my friend for lunch, and we debunked the five stages of grief.
Because for her it looks more like fear, sadness, solidity, frustration and even a bit of relief.
We agreed: however she feels is however she feels, and that's always totally fine,
Because although the cancer's not hers, this is hard on her too, and it's okay to just want a whine.
Today I sat down with my friend for lunch, and we delved right into the deep nitty gritty,
How are you, what's the latest, and how's mum - on the scale of one to probably really quite shitty?
Why are we here? What is our purpose? Why us, and what is it in life that actually matters?
Plus how is it fair that things only come clear once the rest of your life is in tatters.
Today I sat down with my friend for lunch, and we critiqued our societal system.
“My gosh, we could run the world,” we smirked, “with all of these pearls of wisdom!”
How is it that we can all seem to agree that healthy living and good healthcare is vital,
Yet we're not out in the streets protesting a system that only caters to the most entitled.
Today I sat down with my friend for lunch, and we said so much with just silence,
Why is it always the tough times that highlight the strength of an inter-personal alliance.
I couldn’t very well say “oh I know how you feel” because I don’t, and I can’t, and that’s lucky,
But how helpless I felt – and though it's not about me – do I just nod and agree that it’s sucky?
Today I sat down with my friend for lunch, and I don't remember even drinking my coffee,
I was so caught up in how special true friendship is, at the risk of this all sounding washy:
Life is hard, it's so hard! And then lo and behold, something else comes along, guaranteed.
So in the meantime let's just keep going for lunch - don't be silly - this one is on me.
About the Creator
Joe O’Connor
New Zealander
English teacher
Short stories and poems📚
Please be honest- I would love your constructive feedback, as it's the only way I'll get better. Would rather it was pointed out so I can improve!
Currently writing James The Wonderer
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📢 Raise Your Voice Thread: 02/05/2026
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By Raise Your Voice by Vocal3 days ago in Resources
Comments (8)
You such a good friend making time for your friends 🙏
Joe, it is a feel-good piece. After finishing it I felt like releasing a shuddering sigh, and giving someone a sincere and loving hug. I think that's what love is, and that's what your poem is. No pity, no judgement. a sincere understanding.
I love that "don't be silly" - it made it extra real.
Great formatting, almost feels like a conversation with a friend. The repetition created a sense of familiarity without feeling tedious or redundant. Relatable sentiments too: trying to console and offer some empathy but feeling powerless to help beyond the sharing some company and an ear.
Wow, Joe! This is so beautifully written with so many thought provoking lines! The repetition of the “today I sat down with my friend” line have in such a strong thread of continuity
my goodness. This is so real. It's life, and sometimes it sucks. And it's to have friendships that are just as real. Well done, Joe.
I loved this, Joe. Those conversations that you have where you can speak frankly and explore views that you have about, well, everything and feel like you are just free to voice them, no judgement or steering, just an ear and a reflective, encouraging one at that: that's what friendship is all about. Hope your friend and her mum are doing okay.
Well done Joe! An Insightful piece on the value of friendship, grief and support. I’ve just lost my father (due to old age - he was 94) but grief isn’t sensible or practical. It just is.