A Former Friend Smiled at Me Today 

Rocking side to side for a year, maybe two
Calmed today, steadied 
Some half a turn from our last meeting
Smiles from a past friend
To my surprise, may have met their eyes
As if they had never walked away

(Or, did I imagine that small crinkle
In some want to see it?)

Burning coals may have been smothered
Bitter nettles, processed
Until now, cooled and shredded, harmless 
As long as I take care 
To never swallow them again 

Never fear, protective beast
In that friendship, grief crashed on my shoreline 
In and out like a tide 
I refuse to be caught in again
Words to be guarded
Assistance, fairly exchanged 
Only where two paths intersect
At points where joy is to be found
Remembering all the while
What it is to be accused 
What it is to be used 

With the self-worth I hold
Some days, in shaky hands
I may find willingness to be used 
As long as it will serve me
As long as I hold myself high enough
Steady enough
That I may remain immune to their storms
Dashed upon no shorelines by crashing tides
Wise enough
That I may never drink their poisonous tea
And choke on no nettles

.

July 12, 2025