One Soul

"Friendship is a single soul dwelling in two bodies." -- Aristotle, as cited in Diogenes Laertius' Lives of Eminent Philosophers, bk. 5, sect. 20

What we were, or could have been, or might be

Are all the shadows of the light we are

The truth that others can't, or will not see

We recognize together, from afar

This image in my mind, which will not speak

You coax into an eloquence unmatched;

My aid, when in distress, you need not seek

Your pain is mine, for we're from one egg hatched

You do not demand that I serve your will

But urge me boldly to become myself;

Each time you triumph, I share in the thrill

When you are lost, I help you find yourself

To understand and to be understood

Makes this, our friendship, eternally good

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Nota Bene: This sonnet, complete with images of fruitful literary friendships, which resemble those I feel richly blessed to have found in the Vocal community, was inspired by Heather Hubler's "Friends Among Us" Unofficial Challenge. The salient details can be found below: