Old Friends

The world and all its clamor

hits my head just like a hammer;

but the sight of tender friends

are as cherished gold book ends.

*

Though I'm cynical and lazy

and most often slightly crazy,

my beginnings and my ends

are tied up in my old friends.

*

So I hope that you'll excuse me,

since so many now confuse me,

if I drink to comrades dear,

with a flagon of root beer.

*

And the world can keep on fooling

with my passions, which are cooling,

if a friend or two will brush

my dull heart in quiet rush.

*******************************
bonus

a cook who makes a better broth/will always have my hungry troth/who cares their color, creed, or kin/if they're astute with rolling pin?