For a friend who is struggling

This month, I'm going to share something very different.One of the first pieces I ever had published was a poem, and yet I rarely read them - and the last one I wrote was five years ago. But a friend who lives overseas was struggling recently, and I wanted to keep in touch through loving voice messages.I didn't want to add to his mental load by chit-chatting about my day, though. So what could I say that would be short, helpful and meaningful?A poem. In fact, many poems. One a night, two if they were short.It's a curious thing; the more poetry I read, to find verses that would provide comfort and spaciousness, the more natural a way of communicating it felt. And, indeed, my friend started reciting some of his favourite poems in return, explaining how helpful they were to receive.After a week or more I was washing up when the thought arose that it might be nice to write something especially for him. And directly after that thought, this came through - without any edits. I shared it with him, and he was profoundly touched. I shared it with another friend, going through great difficulties; it brought him to tears.So I offer it to you now. May you share it with whoever may need it, to give them comfort in a time of difficulty..   .   .For a Friend Who Is Struggling AloneThis is a precious thing to me, my dearestTo walk beside you though I am not thereTo know your brow, although I cannot see itTo share with you an infinite of careTo hold your hand, although I cannot touch itAs you traverse the challenges aheadAnd send you all my prayers and heartful wishesUnto whatever outcome you are ledFor I have faith in you, my dear belovedAnd know that grace will go where it is askedI'll keep a candle burning in the darknessAnd celebrate with you when it has passed Photo credit: fotografierende