Friendship Is Holding and Being Held

Blessed are You,
Lord our God,
King of the Universe,
for fragrant, fragile friendship.
I hold it reverently
and breathe in deeply.

Blessed are You for the wonder
of holding the attention,
the presence,
the story
of a friend,
and for the miracle
that she is willing to hold
my attention,
my presence,
my story.

Blessed are You,
Lord our God,
King of the Universe,
for friendship—like a pier—
sturdy place to walk together,
look on vast and unpredictable waters,
and to savor a bit of You in
a faithful human companion,
close enough to hold hands.