To a Friend

I thank you.

I thank you for saving me from myself.
You saved me, from my own self-created illusion, that I was the centre of the universe.
You saved me, from the burdens on my back that were crushing me.
You saved me, from the fortress that I myself built, to "protect" me.
You saved me, for wearing too many masks, that I do not know who I really am.

With your fist, you shattered the fragile illusion.
With your voice, you commanded the burdens to leave.
With your presence, the fortress was demolished.
With your eyes, the masks tore off, one by one.

You left me with only a shell of myself.
You left me vulnerable, reminding me that I was human.
You forcibly crushed my own delusions, reminding me that I can be hurt like anyone else.
You burned the masks, leaving me with only one option - to really be myself.

I thank you for not rejecting me outright when I did what I did to you.
I thank you for not destroying me, even though you could have done so very easily.
I thank you for your tolerance and patience towards me, even though I did some questionable things around you.
I thank you for spending time to listen, even when I was spouting nonsense.
I thank you for acting entertained, even though I wasn't even remotely entertaining.
I thank you, for revealing what I needed, instead of giving me what I wanted.
I thank you, for providing me with what I really needed - a good helping of reality slapped on my face.

I lament the fact that we are so near, yet are as far as the heavens and earth.
I lament the fact that Time was not on our side.
I lament the fact that the Fates were playing a joke on us, as we could have met way earlier.
I lament the fact that I only met you so late.
I lament the fact that I lacked the courage to approach you at first.

As you leave,
The illusion will be recreated.
The burdens are coming back.
The fortress is rebuilt.
The masks will be worn again.

As you leave,
I can only hope, that someday I will meet you again.
I can only hope, that someday everything comes crumbling down again.
I can only hope, that I will not need the masks again.
I can only hope, that I can find another like you as a companion.

Until then,
I journey the dark Earth with my illusion.
I journey the dark Earth carrying my burdens.
I build upon the dark Earth, my fortress.
I journey the dark Earth, wearing the masks, traveling as an unknown, an enigma.

Until then,
I pray the Fates treat you well.
I pray that the Almighty protect you.
I pray that my Provider provides for you.
I pray that His angels protect you and those you love.

As you have blessed me, so will I.
If you need an ear, I will listen.
If you need a shoulder, I will provide.
If you need an opinion, I will give.
If you seek counsel, I will avail myself.

I doubt you will even find this, never mind read this,
So until then,
I thank you for giving this pathetic shell of a man a reason to exist.
I thank you that you revealed to this man his identity, when it was previously buried.
I thank you that you gave this man a chance, when he normally would have none.
I thank you that you gave this man comfort, when he previously found none.
I thank you that you gave this man confidence, when he previously had none.
I thank you that you gave this man the heart of a lion, when he previously had one of a mouse.
I thank you that you gave this man what he needed all along - a real friend.

From the bottom of my heart, I say to you:
I thank you, MY FRIEND.