Before a Friend
we live lives of agoraphobia
when it comes to open hearts
convention masked and turtle backed
we hide our inner parts
whilst keeping up appearances
in a show we’d rather quit
we’re on our knees inside our heads
alone and desperate
you evaded my defences
and saw the soul of me
yet chose to love me just the same
and trusted me to see
someone else who needs a friend
to see ourselves reflected
as better than we think we are
respecting and respected
clinging to my tethers end
when something had to give
I bared myself before a friend
who helped me love and live
intensive care and life support
I owe you sanity
with braided lives and plaited past
no owing what is free
take all you want and all you need
you’ll just increase the store
of human warmth that’s wealth to me
and love and trust and more
clinging to our tethers end
when something had to give
we bared ourselves before a friend
who helped us love and live
you held my head up when it hung
wept my tears, came at my call
so when you’re dealt a felling blow
I’ll catch you as you fall
I’ll hold your hand, and will you well
and feel the way you hurt
and catch the water in your eyes
as soul stains on my shirt
greater love hath no man than this
to hold a friend in need
when words are simply not enough
to sooth the burns that bleed
blank cheques to draw on all accounts
rosary words and creed
as safe feeling is believing
a friend of mine in deed
Eye of the Beholder
Lifelines creep across your face
Complex and beautiful
Like the fractal fingers
Of ice fern fronds
Across the window
Of your soul
Light lingering on your body
Makes deeper shadows lie
Like a land at sunset
Radiates warmth
A dusky promise
Of your heart
Unruly cells divide you
I’d kiss a crumpled breast
Like a line of battle
Your victory wound
A caeser section
Of re-birth
Drug depilation makes you
More naked than nature
Lends much more meaning to
A lovers touch
Reflects the passion
Of your trust
Life lies deeply in your eyes
You understand so much
Look further for the truth
The beholder
Beheld in the eye
Of your form