MY SPECIAL FRIEND

Her smile is beautiful,
white teeth against dark skin.
Yet, to even mention this
means noticing something that sets her
apart in a way she resents.
She wants to be only herself
and not somebody's stereotype.

This is a woman with great depth,
gained through a hard struggle
to become who she is.
Nothing was given to her.
She took what she needed to take
and remains her own person.
Many love her for that
and for her dedication as a friend.

She has flown through the air
and through the sea.
She has saved lives
while nearly losing hers.
She has given of her heart.

No possession is too precious
to share with another
except for her hard-won identity.
She has met God in the forest
and God has given her His love.

The universe calls to her
to immerse herself in the
natural order of things where
she feels most at peace.

Light flickers on the dappled water
that stretches before her
from her seat
on the end of the dock.
As the light slowly fades
from orange to violet
to the velvet black of night,
she sits, silently, in the company of a friend.
No words need to be spoken.
She is content.

​--for Indrani Anastasia Sheridan                                                                 Jim Morgan, September 19, 2010