Ode to a friend

The compassion in your eyes
your joy in my happiness.
The kettle that's always on
the shared laughter over life.
The mate who is always there
through thick and thin.
The shoulder to cry on, your knowing
just how to make me smile again.
Simply listening as I tell of my mistakes
never pointing the finger or laying blame.
Your gentle acceptance of all
my faults and my shortcomings
Gently sorting through it all
and showing me the good I’d overlooked
Pointing out that only I see the faults
I perceive within myself.
And simply, most importantly
just being there when I don’t want to be alone.