For a friend who's hurting...

"I dare not ask your very all;
I only ask a part.
Bring me -
when dancers leave the hall -
your aching heart.
Give others your lighted face,
The laughter of your years.
I come to crave a greater grace -
Bring to me your tears..."

I wish I could tell you all who wrote that - but it has always 'stuck' with me...true friendship/love requires being there through the thick AND the thin....the laughter AND the tears...

I was given a book by a girl who became my dearest friend when I was 14 - it was called 'The Treasure Chest' and it was a collection of poems, and prose and stories and that was where I found what I posted above. Obviously, it resonated with me - so I held onto it for just such an occasion - not that someone being sad is an 'occasion', but at least it's a time where people can be there when needed and that type of friendship/love is always worth celebrating.