Ralph's Friend

The Calgary Sun posted this picture of Rod Love and Ralph Klein on the steps of the Alberta Legislature.

My book Naked Under My Coat - Writing Under the Influence of Parkinson's was influenced by my experience as an Alberta politician. So it should come as no surprise that I would have written one of the poems in my book about Rod Love.

Rod served as chief of staff to Ralph Klein during Klein's tenure as Mayor of Calgary and Premier of Alberta. My poem, entitled Ralph's Friend, was inspired by a conversation I had with Rod, at Buon Giorno's, shortly after the former Premier's death in 2013, and speaks to the depth of their enduring relationship.

With Rod's sudden death I wonder if Ralph needed him.

- Jocelyn

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Ralph’s Friend

Only you know

What part of your heart

Accompanied him

When he died


Knowing his eyes would sparkle

Eyebrows lift

I get it

Let’s do it


If there are pens in heaven

Adding a word

Hearing when no one else listens

Listening still


What we heard today

You have always known

Grief is too inadequate a word

To express all that was lost


He knew the Pharisees' game and the Publican's need

Humble, still choosing a modest chair

And appropriate table

Unlike Abraham, he would offer refreshment