Such an odd request
how could I refuse —
I’d like to be an ordinary friend
not so close that you tell me
secrets you kept from your father
or so distant that you only post
“happy birthday” because Facebook
reminds you it is time.
No, ordinary will do, thank you
share a picture or two online
let me know your public wins
and shared losses, your child’s
first steps or words
some new restaurant you tried
that I might also like.
No burdens or obligations
no midnight messages to ask
why you haven’t answered
my last fifty emails
none of that at all
just be there enough
that I can go to sleep
feeling that someone important
has my back.