My Friend – 1

The combination of friendship and love is complex at times. This is the first of a series of poems exploring the different facets of friendship and love that I wrote back in the early ’80s. Compare this poem to Departure (1984), written for a friend.

My Friend

In true friendship

There is no

Hurt or hatred.

 

My Friend –

There is no

Pain or regret.

 

Each time we hurt each other

We are stronger for it

For we come out of it

Better than before.

 

We cry inside

And our silent tears

Are the noble symbol

Of the promise

We made each other.

 

Our silent moments

Are the epitome

Of noble companionship.

 

We are most close

When far apart –

Our bond stretches

Over miles of wildnerness.

 

We are two sane people

Yet we seem insane –

In this insane world.

 

I have faith

In life and love –

You have faith

In destiny.

 

You inflict upon me

The loneliness I wish to feel

You hurt me

But it hurts you more

To soothe my wounds –

It hurts you most

To inflict them upon me.

 

But you love me

And so, you do it –

I love you

And so, I take it.

 

We are both selfless

In our aim

We wish to save

Each other –

 

Yet the reckless beauty

Of youthful friendship

Spurs me on

And the cautious pain

Of rejection

Holds you back.

 

My Friend –

You have tasted

The nectar and poison

Of life

You wish me

To do the same –

To benefit from it.

 

And therefore

My Friend

I respect you even more –

For you have made

Our friendship

Stronger and yet delicate

Rare –

A priceless jewel.

 

Thank you.

 

Vanita Shukla Hork, 1983

 

If you liked this poem, you will enjoy my book Friends (Memories from another Lifetime).  Available on Amazon, free on KindleUnlimited. Please do leave a review.