Poetry from Sr. Melannie Svoboda, SND: “Friend, you are home to me”

Friend, you are home to me.
Within the walls of your good company,
I come and lay my burdens down.

I take off my coat and sit down.
I slip out of my shoes
and sip the steaming tea
you have brewed just for me.

You settle down beside me
and ask, “How are you doing?”
Then you listen to all I have to say.
You ask me questions.
You make no judgments.

Sometimes all you say is “I see,”
and even that comforts me.

Friend, you are home to me.
Within your shelter,
I am more of who I am,
and more of who I want to be.

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For reflection:

Have you ever experienced the kind of friendship described in the poem? Have you ever been the “recipient” as well as the “dispenser”of such tenderness and understanding?
what do you think the final sentence of the poem is saying?

Suggested Scripture:

1. Ruth, [read the whole book about] Ruth and Naomi’s friendship

2. John 15:11-17, Love and friendship