“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.
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An ode to friendship lost. I can relate.
ReplyDeleteNothing better than a close friendship that last years through thick and thin. Nothing worse than losing a friendship.
ReplyDeleteOnly time life for about 5 at most of close friends ~ they are treasures ~
ReplyDeleteWishing you good health, laughter and love in your days,
clm ~ A ShutterBug Explores,
aka (A Creative Harbor)
It is hard to lose a friendship. I lost my BFF when she passed away from cancer.
ReplyDeleteDevastating! So sorry to hear of the loss of your precious friend.
DeleteYour poem is so evocative. It perfectly captures that sharp pang of childhood loss. You've touched on something so universal, the search for connection. I particularly liked your point about being our own best friend.
ReplyDeleteGreat sky.
ReplyDeleteSome friends are a great gift early in life and keep them through the years
ReplyDeleteThis is a most authentic and human experience.
ReplyDeleteAt six or sixty, such an experience is sad. But I love the closing advice in your notes. Yes!
ReplyDeleteFizzling friendships are a part of life.Be a best friend to yourself as you suggest.
ReplyDelete...Maria, keep looking up at the ever changing sky! I wish you a wonderful new week. Elbows Up🇨🇦
ReplyDeleteHello Maria :)
ReplyDeleteFriendship is such a gift. I still have the same friends I had in college and now I'm in my mid eighties, but I have lost many over the years through illnesses and I miss them, as I also miss my faithful departed dogs. I can relate to a friendship lost in childhood, being disguarded like the bandage, it hurts, but I think it makes you stronger to experience the parting of a one sided friendship, and as time passes more able to recognise a true friend. It's a life lesson learnt and a valuable one. I enjoyed your poem Maria thank you.
All the best
Sonjia
Hello,
ReplyDeleteI love the two cute dogs, they are great companions and would never judge you.
They are a friend for life. The true friends stick around no matter what happens. Beautiful water and sky views! Thank you for linking up and sharing your post. Take care, have a great weekend.
I love how you launched your post with the pups, delightful. I don't know how I would have handled losing a girl pal at that tender age. At 83, we are still the closest of friends. Great writing and photography as always.
ReplyDeleteThose pups are so cute, such dear and sweet souls. Such beautiful skies and scenic, and another beautiful poem. I guess we have all had friends, those that last and those that don’t. All have been learning experiences, a gift of sorts.
ReplyDeleteA fascinating post that made me think and muse on relationships, friendship being a wonderful one.
ReplyDeleteWhat lovely dog friends! They are earnestly looking at you, Maria. Recently Y told me that he cried when his “friend forever” suddenly alienated him. Y is an 11-year-old boy. He seems to have kept looking at the fish in the home aquarium. I never get tired of looking at the flowing clouds, but when clouds are hanging that low, I’d lose where I am.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful musings on the importance of friendship and on learning as we grow through trial and error how to love others and yourself.
ReplyDeleteThose dogs are so cute and dogs are certainly man's best friend.
ReplyDeleteI love how the quote is echoed in your wonderful poem - Jae
ReplyDeleteI'm delighted that the "echo" came through. Thank you, Jae. :)
DeleteSuch a thoughtful piece! I love how you tie friendships, pets, and even AI together. That Anaïs Nin quote is perfect—friends really do open new worlds for us. And the reminder to be our own best friend? So true! 💙
ReplyDeleteI really love the first photo. I saw a quote somewhere that said something about all of us should try to live up to how our animals view us. In their eyes, we are perfect!
ReplyDeleteadorable dog faces!!!!
ReplyDeleteLovely thoughts, Penelope. Gotta love those dogs!
ReplyDeleteIt must be painful, and feels like betrayal, when a trusted friend walks away like that.
ReplyDeleteOh I'm sorry to hear about your friend. I was telling my son just the other day.. often the people you think are your forever friends just aren't and some people you never gave much thought about turn into your everything.
ReplyDelete