Dear friend, I am here, can you see me?

Are you a man who has done his work?

Can I trust you?

My heart is tender and can hardly bear

to be left again

Are you a solid man? Will you show me

who you are?

Or will you trick me and lie to me

then discard me?

Whoever you are I cannot change you

I will see you

I will arrive neutral and unafraid

you won’t affect me

I will stand tall, proud, grounded

offering compassion

You may not like this version of me

and you will leave

But if you can see me and lean in

we can join in friendship