Alan's submission for Monday, April 18

FRIENDSHIP

Oh, the comfort - the inexpressible comfort
Of feeling safe with a person,
Having neither to weigh thoughts,
Nor measure words - but pouring them
All right out - just as they are -
Chaff and grain together -
Certain that a faithful hand
Will take and sift them -
Keep what is worth keeping -
And with the breath of kindness
Blow the rest away!

Dinah Maria Mulock Craik