The nature of friendship

As one who cares deeply, loves strongly,
I want to keep my friendships forever.
 
As one who rarely craves company and barely socialises,
it can be challenging to keep them alive.
 
As I have aged, I have learned
that some friends cross our paths just briefly;
walk alongside us for a time
until one of us must move on.
 
Others accompany us further down the road
due to shared interests, or school, or work or values.
However close, people can change
and sometimes drift apart.
 
Some are with us for the long haul
and I'm so grateful for them all;
their steadfastness
and unconditional love.
 
If you are as lucky as I have been,
you might have met the one
who shakes you to your core
and changes you for the better.
 
I have also learnt that it's difficult
when friendships turn lopsided; especially
when I need them more than they need me.
 
So this is where it's at:
by working at Balance,  
I hope to obtain
Longevity.