Alf(ie)

What's it all about, Alfie?
Is it just for the moment we live?
What's it all about when you sort it out, Alfie?
Are we meant to take more than we give
or are we meant to be kind?
And if only fools are kind, Alfie,
then I guess it's wise to be cruel.
And if life belongs only to the strong, Alfie,
what will you lend on an old golden rule?
As sure as I believe there's a heaven above, Alfie,
I know there's something much more,
something even non-believers can believe in.
I believe in love, Alfie.
Without true love we just exist, Alfie.
Until you find the love you've missed you're nothing, Alfie.
When you walk let your heart lead the way
and you'll find love any day, Alfie, Alfie

- Burt Bacharach (1966)

A good friend arrived from China last week and flew back again today. He looks well and even found himself a girl (an old family friend, he claims).

Thank you, dear friend - for lifting the weight of the world off my shoulders - even if only for a few days and for reminding me again that God, in His Infinite Wisdom, has a plan. Take good care of yourself. As one site would tell folks who unsubscribe to its service, many happy trails to you until we find each other again. I will miss you everyday.