I think his name was Tony

Anthony maybe

My first outside friend

We’d rehearse scaring friends

He was a trouble-maker

But not as brave as me

Older and ignored

By his grandparents

Who raised him

And he’d come and go

I liked him a lot

He was not what I was told

People on the outside would be

He was lost but warm

A sinner but thoughtful

A nonbeliever but valuable

I was raised to think I was better

Cautioned to keep my distance

And this was when I knew

They are wrong on the inside

At least about him

Friendship of this mutual kind

Should have been a fountain