Friendly

I finally accept what I should have long ago

You are not my friend, though neither a foe.

All these years, I've idealized

So many memories later, I realize

I don't need you to be validated by anyone

Least of all myself, all said and done.

I'm worthy. I'm valuable. Deserving. Priceless.

Why I never saw this truth is anyone's guess.

But now I do: I see... me

Above that, I finally appreciate... me.

I make no bones of my imperfections and flaws

Yet I embrace my brilliance amongst them all.

Should I yet choose to put others first

Even above my own interests,

From now it will be with a serpent's wisdom

For I won't hope reciprocity will finally come.

And with a wizened heart, I'll as a dove

Withhold from harm and live out love.

The gift of my friendship, like a rare pearl

I'll gather from swine and now guard well.

Careful to bestow

On those who know

Its weight and the value it commands

And will handle it with committed, loving hands.

I've bandied my affections, but here it ends

From this day I distinguish friendship from friendliness.