How are you?

Are you feeling OK?

I’m not expecting to hear that you are fine

That you’re managing well

It’s OK if today you don’t feel well

How often do we ask how are you 

Expecting the same answer?

What should we do if the answer is not OK?

How can I help you we may say

Would you like to grab a coffee and talk?

I won’t give you advice

I won’t tell you to be thankful for all you have

I’ll simply listen and let you empty your cup

This is not always easy for me

The need to give advice is always there

But advice is not needed in these instances

Just acknowledging the hurt will do

Just letting someone know you care

And that they are not alone in their pain

I know this because I’ve been there

I’ve been the person who was not OK

And when my friends simply listened to me

They lifted my spirit and helped me persevere

Some problems can’t be fixed right away

The road to healing may be long

And what’s most important is to know

You have friends that you can count on

January 26th, 2021