Friends

An exceedingly pleasant afternoon yesterday, spent in the company of very old friends Roy and Jacquie. Roy and I used to play in the band together—several previous posts have described aspects of our adventures. And although for several years back then we practically lived in each other’s pockets, we have barely met a dozen times in the intervening six decades. When we do meet, within seconds the years have fallen away, and we take great and relaxed pleasure in each other’s company.
 
A few years ago, we spent several days in Rome visiting old haunts. On one day, indifferent weather forced us into a fairly pedestrian department store where we were obliged to spend some hours sheltering from the rain, even eating in its decidedly unexciting café. But the time was as relaxed and enjoyable as our visits had been to the Trevi Fountain and Colosseum. This, it seems to me, is the mark of true friendship.
 
Roy, or it might have been Jacquie reminded us of a very amusing incident. They had invited us and two other couples over for a carry-out Chinese supper and quiz night. The teams were boys vs girls. One of the ladies, I won’t reveal her name—she knows who she is—was getting frustrated with the rate that us chaps were getting correct answers. I dare say that the alcohol intake may have contributed to the loosening of her inhibitions, notwithstanding that she was a mature lady not normally given to gay abandon. She picked the next question and announced to the company that if the men got this question correct, she would immediately lie down on the table and invite her husband to ravish her in front of everyone—or words to that effect. The question was something like: “Name the late 19th century German philosopher who said that God is dead.” While I have been trying to understand something of philosophy for a long time with very little success, what I have managed to achieve is knowledge of many of the philosophers' names and what they are best known for. I announced in a loud clear voice: “It was Friederich Nietzsche!” She went ashen; it was clear that the answer was correct, as I knew that it was, and after a split second everyone broke into barely controlled hysterics. It was a famous moment, and one that I had quite forgotten until reminded of it.