Handle gently
but do not crush my heart, my friend
broken and abandoned
its sharp barbs confine a tender core
from which a bounteous ocean tumults.
Hold close
but do not smother my soul, my friend
shrunken and cowering
its nervousness protects love’s delicate garden
from which serenity’s stems can grow anew.
Caress and nurture
then let me go, my friend
to rise renewed, revitalised and refreshed
above the turmoil of life’s eternal rollercoaster.
