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the first time i saw you
i wondered
how anyone could be
so animated
a mysterious possibility
i had needed a roommate
to share the expense
to balance the cost
to help make sense
of coming thousands
of miles to a place
not familiar
faces all blending
never congenial
i walked a different land
streets unknown
nothing planned
to meet you
bubbling over with
so much enthusiasm
i gingerly broached it
a tremulous chasm
we walked into your
loving abode
art panoramic
stories untold
chilli pepper lights
hung enchantingly so
about the ceiling
embracing my soul
the first time i saw you
i wondered
how anyone could be
so animated
a mysterious possibility
Ā© November 2012
Renee Espriu
Just to say, that some roommates do work out.Ā I only spent a year at seminary and have been friends ever since with Paula, an amazing artist and a person with heart. Here’s to you, Paula!


I remember great roommates in high school, but nightmare ones in college. However, each roommate provides lessons for us to learn. I am glad you and Paula have each other through this journey of life. š
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It just so happened that, even though very different, we both are artists and creative people. It was a wonderful time.
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I love this. Made me smile so much. I am the over enthusiastic sort among me and my roomate. bonding with roomate is a blessing ! Glad you had a good one š
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You just gave me a smile in return. Paula was the enthusiastic one then and still is. She has so much energy. If only I had just a little of what she does. Your roommate is lucky to have you. š
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Renee, this is a beautiful tribute to your friend. I hope she is aware of this poem. Those chili lights are enchanting. š
Pamela
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Thank you Pamela! I loved that the lights so reflected her personality…really.
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cool…sounds like you had a wonderful time..love when we meet people by chance and they may be so different but that’s all the more attractive..she sounds like a wonderful, inspiring person..hope she gets a chance to read the poem..smiles
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It was a good year and a wonderful experience. It is good to have them at some point in life. Thanks Claudia!
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I love the sound of the chilli pepper lights. Your friend sounds like a delightful person and it’s so good to meet a person and instantly bond and have that bond endure. You were lucky and, so was she š
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some people light up their surroundings!
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She does! Has so much energy which is so opposite of myself.
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Amazing how we something triggers a memory… Your friend sounds a wonderful lady š
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I have hung the same kind of lights in my dining room as it was such a good memory and one I hold dear. Thank You!
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This is lovely. I’ve had some good roommates too.
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Thanks Jamie! Good roommates are the best, of course!
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What a lovely tribute. I’ve had a good roommate or two myself.
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So few out there it seems but I was very fortunate to have met her.
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Very nice. Always lovely to hear when two people get along together and bring a positive experience to one another’s lives. We hear so much about the negative…this was very refreshing. A nice tribute.
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Yes, I was fortunate, as the first roommate was not a good fit. Paula and I hit it off, though, so my time there was good. Thank You!
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