I missed it, consolation I mean.

We met over
Sandwiches and ice water.
Did this often on Tuesdays.
He the Realtor
And I the Lawyer.
Peter.
Italian background.
Lots of funny stories
Or quips.
Wife Cathy was Food Economist
With the Province.
We had helped
Each other.
Clientele.
Referrals.
A pause came
To our lunch.
Awkward and uncommon.
Pete looked down at his sandwich
Sighed…
But I just rambled.
With trivial stuff.
He re-started his engine.

(It would be weeks before I learned
That he was being examined
For work ethics.
Also that he was in a
Cash flow nightmare.)
Deserved much better
He did.
And I was not
Immune to such difficulties.