Monáe's Musings | Fabulous and Fortunate Podcast

Friendship has me thinking of those that I have hurt in the past and those that hurt me 

And I am answering to this, honestly 

Because maybe next lifetime we will get it right 

When the time comes I can better support you 

And you can better support me 

Apologies we’ve given to each other can last for an eternity

And next time we may last 

As we help each other heal from our past 

~

I’ve come to know friendship as a delicate flower 

That requires soil, roots, attention, and constant love showers 

Becoming withered and dry without the proper attention 

And oversaturated if it becomes an addiction

I’ve seen friendship show its face especially in familial and romantic settings 

So intimate and so connecting

One rainy day a true ally appeared to me as a shining light

Causing me to ground myself before fear made me take flight

A long time ago, I prayed for a friendship that runs as deep as it does true 

And low and behold I was sent you

I was steeped in molasses and dripping from friendship wounds 

Yet, you looked me over and said, “I want to love you, I hope your heart can make room.”

Parking lot conversations, thoughtful surprises, teary trips to Target, and holding me up when I’m down 

I truly couldn’t imagine my life without you around 

Mark my words this time and on this day 

If you ever need me, the word is all you have to say 

I’ll come running along standing by your side  

And yes, I will be ready to ride! 

The same way that if I’m ever lost I know you’ll find me 

Because you know we go together like honey and the bees 

I don’t think I’ll ever be able to truly explain 

How friendship has been a protective tree and balm for the pain 

Friendship has shown up in the most unexpected places 

In the grass, with butterflies, and amongst stranger’s faces

Friendship is loving me with no expectation 

Holding space for me and being one of my safe havens

Touching me gently and cocooning me in trust

Pouring into my vast drawer of hopes and dreams until the seams bust 

Looking at my past I visualize the moments I faltered in my years

Whilst being held with no judgement by those who helped me through these fears

Those who have been there for me 

Who shed their own tears in the face of my misery 

At times I never knew it ‘til then 

A true confidant, a true friend 

I am floored at what I once believed friendship to be 

As it’s not nearly as fantastic as what you have shown me 

It’s not easy to admit that I used to label friendship wrong

But I’ve learned to sing the tune and hum the song 

I’ve learned that friendship isn’t selfish or confusing 

It’s rather reassuring, constant, and uplifting

Sometimes friendship takes me by surprise 

Appearing as an inkling of interest beneath hooded eyes 

The smallest conversations leading to a shared bond and shared bliss 

It’s simple, albeit easy to miss 

I imagine us years from now with our fingers intermingled

Singing and dancing our praises, causing my heart to tingle 

As we dance, we may happen to parade

But at the end we know that a pact has been made 

So you may ask, what are the signs of a true friendship? 

It’s being able to go from the beginning and start again

It’s the flow and depth of the river 

It’s the promise of trust that always delivers 

It’s knowing the friendship will remain even when you’re older and gray 

No matter what may tumble and stumble along the way

It’s the kiss of support and undying empathy

Now, doesn’t true friendship sound like life’s epiphany?