How to Be a Friend

Care for their needs
and be honest about your own
(which requires that you know yourself)

Respond to their communication
even if only to laugh or cry
Share your life with them in return.

Look out for what they ask
but do not pry or manipulate
give both play and respect as desired.

Learn them enough to read
their emotional states without presuming
you always know exactly what is necessary.

Offer them what you have
but never pressure them to accept
what you think must be best for them.

Be a support, not an imposition
and ask for the same in return.
Never ask for what you are not willing to give.

Blues and Reds

Anxiety comes in
a higher key than despair
The pain moves at
a swifter speed than dolor

Stresses start forward
Sadness draws away
Some medications blend them
Others whipsaw  back and forth

Right now I feel blunted
awash with a gentle haze
The reds and the blues are muted
with few sharper contrasts.