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OwlSA
Member Rara Avis
since 2005-11-07
Posts 9347
Durban, South Africa

0 posted 2006-02-05 06:18 AM


A FRIEND FOR ALL SEASONS
7 November 1998

I want to be your rock,
your rock that doesn’t change,
your sun-baked rock,
your ergonomically-designed, sun-baked rock,
that cradles the contours of your back
and warms you from the outside
as you sit on the beach and lean against me and dream.

I want to be the yielding golden beach sand that you sit on
and I want you to press the backs of your legs into
this warm sand that is me, as you lean against me, your rock,
your rock that doesn’t change.

I want to be the breeze that cools your brow
and the waves that revive you
when the sun tries to melt you and fry  you.

When you are drenched by rain
and frozen by wind
and abandoned on a stormy night,
I want to be your hot bath
that warms you from the outside
and relaxes each
muscle
one
by
one
and then
your mind
and then
every
single
emotion.

I want to be the sherry that warms your throat,
and spreads in waves to the tips of your
fingers
and the tips of your toes,
from the inside,
and eases the edges of your hurt.

I want to be the one you phone
at three o’clock
in the morning
especially when you know I am asleep,
when you dare not phone anyone else,
knowing that I will be glad and honoured
to be chosen
to listen to your pain
and soothe your spirit
and lift it from the depths,
high up over the telephone wires,
until perhaps inwardly you smile or even laugh,
- your rock,
your rock that doesn’t change.

I want to be the one
you phone to take you home from some sleazy bar
when you’ve had too much to drink
and are barely coherent and very rude to me
but know I wouldn’t want you to drive.
I wish I could shield you from all pain,
but I know I can’t, and
yes, a real friend may be sick in my car.

I want to be the music that pervades your soul,
and carries you above the clouds and over the sea
when nothing else can.
I want to be the poem that releases the tears
and, with a word, alleviates your mood, a little.

I want to be the Boomer
that licks your hand
when I don’t understand
why you are sad.

I want to be the distant star that guides you
to your dream,
your dream that chooses you unconditionally,
that loves you unconditionally,
that brings you happiness,
within, without,
around, over and under you,
in abundance,
and without hurt,
the happiness your vibrant soul deserves
no matter what anyone says or thinks.

I want to be sure of
a gilt-edged invitation
even though you know that
I will cry at your wedding
(I always cry at weddings)
and I want you to know Now,
because you won’t remember Then,
that, as you take your wedding vows
and always,
I really want your happiness
to be deep
and to last
beyond
Time.

I want to be one
on whom, when you are living your new happiness,
you can think back, now and then,
with friendly warmth
and know that
all was well
with our friendship
and though it comforted us both,
it was just a dream
and in the past
as it should be
and that when it really mattered
I was a friend for all seasons.

- Owl

© Copyright 2006 Diana van den Berg - All Rights Reserved
nakdthoughts
Member Laureate
since 2000-10-29
Posts 19200
Between the Lines
1 posted 2006-02-05 07:11 AM


and know that
all was well
with our friendship
and though it comforted us both,
it was just a dream
and in the past
as it should be
and that when it really mattered
I was a friend for all seasons.

very, very nice sentiments~~

M

Honeybunch
Member Rara Avis
since 2001-12-29
Posts 7115
South Africa
2 posted 2006-02-05 09:55 AM


Most times "the universe" provides just what is needed at any given moment and those picked as friends for all seasons are indeed fortunate because good things always come from the giving. Great poem!  I'll be in your neck of the woods next week - short spell at Umhlanga Rocks.

Helen

OwlSA
Member Rara Avis
since 2005-11-07
Posts 9347
Durban, South Africa
3 posted 2006-02-05 03:54 PM


Thank you Maureen and Helen.  I appreciate your thoughts.

Helen, perhaps we can meet for coffee when you are down in Durban.  I will email you my cell number.

- Owl

The Lady
Member Rara Avis
since 2005-12-26
Posts 7634
The Southwest
4 posted 2006-02-05 05:33 PM




"I want to be the distant star that guides you
to your dream,"

A lovley piece of work Owl.



OwlSA
Member Rara Avis
since 2005-11-07
Posts 9347
Durban, South Africa
5 posted 2006-02-05 11:09 PM


Thank you Kate.  Glad you enjoyed it.

- Owl

wvatvrider
Member
since 2006-02-04
Posts 78
West Virginia,USA
6 posted 2006-02-06 09:30 PM


Anyone would be fortunate indeed to have a friend such as you describe, Owl.  Very nice.
OwlSA
Member Rara Avis
since 2005-11-07
Posts 9347
Durban, South Africa
7 posted 2006-02-07 10:46 AM


Thanks, wvatrider.  I appreciate it.

- Owl

Martie
Moderator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-09-21
Posts 28049
California
8 posted 2006-02-07 01:28 PM


Owl....friendship such as you describe is a rare thing.  Your friend is lucky, as are you.  Oh, I hope you and Helen get to meet over coffee.  I'd like to be the fly on the wall.  
suthern
Deputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Seraphic
since 1999-07-29
Posts 20723
Louisiana
9 posted 2006-02-07 01:41 PM


How very lovely! *S* To have such a friend for even a while is to be so very lucky...

You've written a guide for all of us who want to be the best friends we can be... through any season. *S*

Earth Angel
Member Empyrean
since 2002-08-27
Posts 40215
Realms of Light
10 posted 2006-02-07 01:48 PM


Owl, to have a friend, one must be a friend ~ and you are indeed, a friend in deed!

~ Scribed beautifully from your loving heart!

Love & Friendships,
EA


OwlSA
Member Rara Avis
since 2005-11-07
Posts 9347
Durban, South Africa
11 posted 2006-02-07 01:53 PM


Thanks, Martie, suthern and Earth Angel.  The trick is not to be a doormat at the same time!

Martie, I also hope that Helen and I get to meet over coffee, especially as we are the only Pipsters in South Africa (as far as I know).  

I would prefer you to be Martie-at-the-table than a fly on the wall!

- Owl

vandana
Deputy Moderator 5 Tours
Member Patricius
since 1999-10-22
Posts 10463
USA
12 posted 2006-02-07 02:07 PM


good read
OwlSA
Member Rara Avis
since 2005-11-07
Posts 9347
Durban, South Africa
13 posted 2006-02-12 02:43 PM


Thanks vandana.

- Owl

OwlSA
Member Rara Avis
since 2005-11-07
Posts 9347
Durban, South Africa
14 posted 2006-02-14 12:30 PM


Thanks, vandana.

- Owl

Marge Tindal
Deputy Moderator 5 ToursDeputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Empyrean
since 1999-11-06
Posts 42384
Florida's Foreverly Shores
15 posted 2006-02-14 01:37 PM




Happy Valentine's Day~
*Huglets*
~*Marge*~

~*The sound of a kiss is not as strong as that of a cannon, but it's echo endures much longer*~
Email -   noles1@totcon.com

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