Three-Word Prompt challenge: Sir, Father, Please (Redo)

My *father* told me, many years ago, About a friend he'd had when he was young, And all the silly songs that they had sung Whenever one of them was feeling low.

He shared a lot of anecdotes and tales About the silly things the friend would do To *please* my dad. For instance, at the zoo, She'd tease the python; Dad would count its scales.

The friendship lasted seven years or so, Until my father joined the army. Then, They failed to keep in touch; they had their duty. And after four years, Dad came home to show His buddy all his medals. But in vain. "*Sir*, why?" I asked. "She'd died--that rotten beauty!"