Let friendship bring understanding into a world of differences.  

Am I a stranger or a friend?

I may have walked a different path, taken a different way,
I may have led a different life and seen a different day.
I may not have learnt with you, to see what you can be,
But does that make a difference between you and me?
So now I will ask of you, as this day comes to an end,
Just how do I stand before you, as a stranger or a friend?

Perhaps if I had known your way, had seen it long ago,
And decided that it was not for me, choosing not to know.
Then you could be right to say, that I am not like you,
To turn your face away from me and keep me out of view.
But I did not learn on your road, nor walk round a single bend,
So how do I stand before you, as a stranger or a friend?

I understand just what you say, I would like to know you more,
Perhaps if you would sit with me, there’s a seat just by the door.
Let me know of your life and I will tell you about my own,
Then after a day or two, our understanding will have grown.
Learn how to heal our wounds, to know where to stitch and mend,
And then, over time, change from a stranger into a friend.

© Jenny Maryl

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Some poems have been grouped into themes on their own pages: 
Hope and Inspiration – Encouragement and hope in those moments of searching
Inner reflection – Inner reflection of emotions and forgiveness.
Love and Joy  – The love in our hearts and the joy of living.
The Natural World – Nature and its seasons, and of rivers and raindrops.
Wildlife and Pets – The blackbird greeting the dawn, the cat sleeping on the bed.
Time alone with God – Reflections with God, regardless of what you believe.
Christian Poetry – The Gospels and their stories.
Remembrance and Grief – Poems of remembrance for those we have lost and the grief felt.

If you have enjoyed my poetry, I would welcome a donation towards my work. My PayPal ID is: Jenny_maryl@yahoo.com.

* All poems copyright protected. All rights reserved. Not to be used without permission.

 Jenny Maryl ~ To Contact me: Contact Jenny Maryl