My Promise to a Friend

Your choice of word to describe your life

rips at the fibers of my soul.

I don’t pretend to understand your heart

am barely acquainted with your mind

but with certainty I know you are my friend

so here I stand beside you and in silence take your hand.

you need not walk this road alone

unless that is your choice

in which case I will remain at a respectful distance

just close enough that you can change your mind.