“Each friend represents a world in us, a world possibly not born until they arrive, and it is only by this meeting that a new world is born.” — Anais Nin, The Diary of Anaïs Nin, Vol. 1: 1931-1934
Our most non-judgmental friends, who don't say a word and might have animal friends of their own, are our pets that bring us solace and open our eyes to creature worlds.
Long-lasting or brief, some human relationships are more memorable than others. While friendships can fade or end in betrayal, others are resilient and deepen. A
poem I wrote earlier and the Anais Nin quote (above) is my response to "reply to something someone else wrote", the
Poets and Storytellers United prompt.
As Nin suggests, we broaden our insights when entering into a closeness with others and learn about ourselves along the way. Friends treat each other's vulnerabilities with respect and provide safe haven for honest conversation. We learn empathy from one another and acceptance of imperfections. Trust develops when a friendship is true. Friends encourage us and stick by us in the darkest of times.
When clouds brew, friends are supportive and tell truths no one else would dare do. And now in a world
Anais Nin never knew, there are chatbot AI companions existing somewhere in the Cloud where computer programs are our confidantes and pretend friends. So as a backup, should any of these fizzle like mine did at age six, let us be our own best friend and befriend others as well as the planet that sustains us all.
Explore more at
Poets and Storytellers United,
SKYWATCH and
Saturday's Critters.
