I asked friendship to stay a moment,

And then begged her to stay forever

She pursed her lips and looked bemused

“No promises” she said, and I shudder

“But what’s the point,” I prod her on,

Shouldn’t memories last a lifetime?

“They will,” she said, “but so will the lessons,

The good ones stay, and you’ll be fine”

I asked career to be kind to me,

He scoffed and I went pale

“True growth,” he said, “will come to you

In the moments you feel you’ve failed”

I’ll give you mentors, both old and young

He assured me with a smile

You’ll learn to say no, to push yourself

And all the struggle will be worthwhile

I asked for family to understand me

His eyes softened with a warm flicker

“This is a never ending battle, my dear

Some have it rough, you have it better”

“Understanding,” he said, “goes both ways

How patient have YOU been with me?” 

“Not quite,” I conceded, but it isn’t easy!

Baby steps, he assured me, are key 

Finally, I asked love if she would sway

Back and forth like she’s done in the past

How she’s given me highs I’ll never forget

And heartbreak that for years they last

But love was silent; my anxiety grew

No answers to my many questions

Then my eyes I close, and a whisper I hear

And my heart, it suddenly lightens

Relationships, I’ve learnt, are far from simple

They’re fickle with moments wondrous

They’ll sicken your gut and wrench your heart

But if you’re lucky, they’ll be your life’s compass