My Friend

You shelter me through tempest storms – indeed, you are my friend. You never try to change my ways, instead you interblend; I’m free with you and you with me, and neither will offend. In spite of fashion's etiquette, your care does not depend on ways I dress (or part my hair) - I’m not a passing trend, and in my need you comfort me till twists and turns unbend. We needn’t don thin masks of clay or otherwise pretend, and when I sometimes act the fool you never condescend but try instead to steep my views in eyes that comprehend. At times I dwell within the depths, you smile and I ascend to levels of tranquillity which others can’t transcend. You never ask, demand or take, you give and understand, and when I’m lost, a frantic child, you lead me by the hand through castle gates in mirrored walls throughout a fairyland where fears and worries linger less than tracks in drifting sand. With you my words are ever free, they trickle out unplanned, and fearful feelings I possess you seize as contraband. Your laughter flows upon my woes like waves on troubled strand which leave behind within their wake a calm and peaceful land. Not everyone is pleased, I’m told, that you and I are friends. The world outside... they envy us... that you and I are friends. We dare defy the green-eyed storm... for you and I are friends.