I cannot think how to thank you,
except to describe the image indelibly imprinted,
by friendship that even years cannot erase,
a rare emerald in a sea of bottle-glass beads.
You do not know the full measure
of the mercies you bring into my life,
as if effortless, swept along by your coat’s hem.
You are open, open as the sea is wide,
and clear in honesty as polished quartz.
Your heart you hold in your hand,
showing it with trepidation, but trust.
You take my pains and miseries
and transfigure them into molehills
instead of mountains.
I could speak to you a thousand days,
and each time feel better than the last,
for the clever working of your mind
has a way of challenging and inspiring
thoughts that might have never leapt to life.
You give your compassion so carefully,
and though you speak of fighting dragons,
I see in you the dedicated gardener,
who takes such joy in tending
people around to watch them bloom.
I do not know the measure of your doubts,
but if you could see as I have seen:
the beauty of your determined faith;
the patience with my struggling ways;
the tenderness and tough love,
applied each in their place;
the thoughtfulness, the intent
to bring shadows into light and banish them;
The confidences of shattered hearts
You let pour into your own—
I wish I could grant you my eyes,
To see yourself as I can see you:
Gardener, dragonslayer, beacon of light
even when the world is dark.
I treasure your friendship like a pearl,
taken from the deepest ocean depths
opalescent and pure
and priceless in its quality.
Thank you for the philos you have
brought flourishing into my life.
I will be here in gratitude and companionship
for however long you wish.
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