Close Friends

A poem by Lisa Cyrus

When stay-at-home says to me, “no place is open” and frustration wants to set in, my close friend, Gratitude, drops by and reminds me that I have a home to stay in;

a peaceful home at that, with all the amenities I need and even enough of my wants.

Let’s talk about the longing for in-person contact with my friends and family. 

It too tries to overwhelm me.

And in the nick of time, another close friend, Insight, shows up,

and puts things into perspective for me. 

And now I appreciate that video chat is an upgrade from email or courier mail for that matter.

And what about the family members that are in the home and we are stepping on each other’s toes?

That is when my dear friend Solace helps me understand that two or three is better than one. And if at times I struggle to believe that, she encourages me to think about the countless individuals living in solitude.

Oh, and then there is Hope, 

who gathers the collection of “this too shall pass” testimonies 

and grounds me in a power greater than myself.

And gives me strength to be a support for another.

Don’t forget the dilemma of working from home or staying 6-ft apart in the workplace.

With this, Gratitude circles back around to help me count my blessings that I have such options.

Okay, I’ll stop here. 

For the message is quite clear. 

So, in such a time as this, I am so very thankful for my dear friends.

They are closer than you think.