THE UNSEEN PEARL

I thought I knew friendship;
Then came the day I had to choose it,
Or the treasure in my belly
Wrapped in the finest materials of
Pain and love and tenderness.

This unseen Pearl had set in my belly
Comforted with love and security.
Knowing that nothing could ever expose
Its presence and defacing unpolished value
Digested and tolerated and hidden.

After many days and long conversations,
My new friend aced my secret pearl.
Its devastating unseen impressions,
However, were too tantalizing to share.
A burden to bear; to others unbarred.

She reached into my belly,
And Extracted the Unseen Pearl causing
Searing pain and agony of
Mind, soul and body –
My loss was beyond utterance.

Her hand withdrew in a bloodless silence.
The dynamics of friendship now changed;
Never again to be captured or regained.
She had threatened my Unseen Pearl
Ripping from its hidden places -- warmth and comfort.

Forgiven? Yes, but nevermore trusted.
To get that close to my quickly sutured belly.
Traveling in roads uncharted for use;
She was not welcomed there.
That is day I lost my friend and kept
My Pearl.

Earthene Fleming
January 13, 2012


Author’s Comment
This poem is free verse written to show how friends should be sensitive enough to leave some areas of their friends’ lives alone until they are ready to share.  Respectfully showing empathy to the choice made to let us in or shield us out.