I still remember
When things went south
When illness was a part of me
When tears streamed,
When happiness was just a word
When my smile was long faded
You stood with me
You spent nights nursing me
You chose not to sleep
But watch me till morning

I still remember
When my hands wouldn’t function
When I could do nothing on my own
When even eating was a disaster
When I needed help using the latrine,
When eating or bathing was disastrous
Like family, you held unto me
You gave me the definition of friendship
In your arms, I found a home forever
And on your shoulder, I leaned on
Not once did you think of leaving
And when everyone left,
You held my hand and never let go

I still remember
When I made mistakes and wrong decisions
When everyone gossiped
When everyone was backbiting me
When everyone had something ill to talk
You stood firm to defend me
Never did you ever judge me
Instead, you hugged me tightly
Unto my ears, you whispered
‘This too shall pass’

I still remember
How you help me nurse wounds
Teaching me to ignore negativity
Concentrating on only positivism
When I fell, you always lifted me
When I needed someone,
I always found you
When pains weighed me down,
You never hesitated to help me up
When I broke into pieces,
You helped me pick my pieces
Thanks, Agape, you're a rare gem