These faces before me
Warm and happy,
Inspired in their simplicity and joy.
Their comments and references,
Humble, with no pretense.
But plenty of pride.
Though it’s checked at the door,
For the most part.
These are my people.
Hearts and feet
From all across this land
Bringing thoughts
And habits
From sea, to shining sea.
And beyond.
What brought them here?
Were they born aloft by
The Spirit?
Or was it financial?
Family?
Love, in any case.
Love for self or another.
What a powerful force,
Transcending time and space.
And in some cases transporting
Us Across the face of a planet.
This great spaceship earth.
These faces before me
Are friends.
Earned through sacrifice,
And Laughter.
Sharing.
Mostly loving them,
Sometimes not.
Making Peace,
A bond of brotherly love.
A pure place where gain
is measured not in fiat sums,
But in experiences shared.
Persecutions suffered.
Successes won hand in hand.
Love deepened.
One day, many years from now, I will not keep photos. Instead, I will have a library of drawings i’ve done of every friend I ever made, places visited and experiences enjoyed.