Inspired by loss, yes, but really by my “true friends.” You know who you are. Thank you for drawing near instead of falling away. (Read my other poem here: Hope Flickers). 

True friendship

Glimmers here, shadows of it there
Often just out of reach

It’s easy to find
People wanting things from people
Smiles and friendly overtures
Little gifts and public thanks
All with hidden wants and needs

Until you no longer have what they seek

Gone, all gone

Then they disappear too

As swiftly as troubles come
They flee madly away
“Who are you again?” They say,
Innocence framing their face

So trouble and suffering give a gift
They show true colors in the dark
One only out to get
Another who gives
False friends fade away
True friends draw nearer

So few
But dear

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