A Wigwam for a Goose's Bridle

I’ve heard it said of smiles that they may light

a room, but yours shines bright into my soul,

a gentle warmth that softens harshest night.

Reflecting back this light is now my goal. 

I see you over there trying your best,

fighting darkness I cannot always see. 

Yet you find strength to offer sincerest

love, friendship and respect to those you meet. 

Already I can hear you argue back

that it’s just basic human decency,

but we both know it’s something many lack;

such a consistent display’s rare to see. 

Just because something may be the ideal

does not mean it will work that way for real.

I tried to vocalise this truth, but you

find discomfort in hearing compliments

and instantly shut down anyone who

offers insight into your awesomeness. 

And so I’ve turned to written word instead

to try to document the things I see,

and leave you with words that can be reread

if ever you can’t hear them straight from me. 

What struck me early on is how quickly 

you notice needs of others, and check in:

Is this the time and place or do we need

To take a step back? You’re so genuine

in the way you ask how things are going,

in the way your thoughtfulness is showing.

And if you think there’s even a slight chance

you’ve said something wrong or misunderstood,

there’s no pride leaping straight to self-defense

just heartfelt offers to make it all good. 

I sense perhaps that trauma is behind

this constant drive never to overstep

a bound’ry, but you’re one of the most kind

and truly thoughtful humans I’ve yet met.

I hear you say again that this is not

some superhuman feat but merely love,

yet of all the greatest friends I’ve got

you most reflect divine love from above:

compassion permeates the way you care.

Let me reflect this back, it’s only fair.

I cannot see each way that you’ve been hurt,

but I can see the sparkle of the gold

that glues together pieces and asserts

the new item’s more precious than the old.

And that’s what I’m trying to offer now:

a kinstugi of compliments for you.

I want to draw your attention to how

your friendship acts as gold dust for those who

are blessed to cross your path, but equally

I want to see you show yourself the same

beautiful compassion you showed to me

when my inner critic was throwing blame.

I saw tonight a glimpse of yours and she

also needs love unconditionally.

So if I may, I’ll take her in my arms

and offer her my list of adjectives

that describe some of her talents and charms:

You’re deeply self-aware and reflective.

You’re funny, witty, have a way with words.

You’re honest, safe, and loyal to your friends.

You’re clever (just the right amount of nerd).

And in your work you make a difference.

You’re humble in the true sense of the word:

You speak the truth in love in all you say. 

Your sense of justice rallies to the call

of those who for themselves can’t advocate. 

If ever your sense of worth is unsure,

just ask and I can compliment you more.