I thought I had a hold on the meaning of friendship
But it seems to have so many faces.
I know it is a strong bond.
I am sure it lasts though all crises.
But those tales can cloud the security of the bond.

It is begun when both parties find pleasure in each other.
It grows when problems arise and are overcome.
I know it survives angry words.
I know it survives separations.
But friendship has odd rules
That constantly change.

Rules can hurt the relationship
For friendship seems to know no boundaries.
People make them.
Those boundaries tie up the freedom.
Friendships won't tolerate lost freedom.
It dissipates in anger when it is stiffled by rules.

Friendship has a funny way of returning
When time helps people forget their confinement.
It brings security and warmth.
It comes when needed but not expected
For it is a free spirit with a mind of its own.

Forget those rules I say to myself.
Give friendship its freedom.
Be happy to share it when it comes
But let it go when others
Try to corale it
For friendship will only be there when it is free.