Two Poems on Friendship

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A Listening Friend

By Ruth Rin

 

When a friend reveals a pain
She may wish no more to gain
Than an empathetic ear that listens,
Not your judgement or your experience.

She may wish her pain acknowledged,
Not solutions for her problems,
Nor have her issues minimized.
Or your unsolicited advice.

Do not tell her “Just endure” --
Conversation-ender, that's for sure!
Give her a safe place to self-express.
Her appreciation will be immense!

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By Ruth Rin, 2025

Why She Stopped Confiding
By Ruth Rin

When a friend reveals distress
Be sure to say she’s made a mess.
Tell her how in her place
You would have done an “about face.”

Say how much worse off others are
That her life is much better by far,
That for all she has she should be grateful,
And not be always so comlaint-full!

Be sure to offer unsought advice,
And repeat it twice or thrice.
Try this formula, and it’s a good bet
With her problems you’ll not have to fret!
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By Ruth Rin, 2025