we weren’t old enough to know

the rules that govern friends and foes

we gravitated toward each other, though

that was a long, long time ago

i’ve never had a friend like you

and i’ve had many, this is true

some smart, some quiet, some flat-out rude

but none, to me, of a higher value

you are the kind of person who’s

friendship and approval seeks no need to pursue

you came to me with an open mind

no false disguise to hide behind

you’ve helped me to live as me and only me

to breathe fresh air, and to truly see

before, to the wonder of the world, i was blind

but now, with us together

our inner light shines.