Friendship In Three Ways

Summary

The web content features a personal reflection on friendship through a series of creative writing exercises, including a poem, haikus, and a limerick, inspired by prompts from Marla Bishop.

Abstract

The article on the undefined website delves into the multifaceted nature of friendship, presenting a series of writer's prompts by Marla Bishop. The author responds to these prompts with a poem that explores the essence of friendship using ten italicized words provided by Bishop. Additionally, the author crafts three haikus reflecting on a deep and evolving friendship from high school to the present, illustrating the growth from initial dislike to recognizing the friend as a cherished gift. A limerick is also included, emphasizing the joy and camaraderie found in true friendships. The piece concludes with a link to Bishop's full Ideastream article on friendship, suggesting the enriching impact of these relationships, especially during challenging times like a pandemic.

Opinions

The author expresses gratitude for the enduring presence and positive influence of a long-term friend, indicating a transformation in their perception of this friend over time.
Friendship is portrayed as a source of healing, loyalty, and mutual growth, with the author emphasizing qualities such as patience, understanding, and endearment in a true friend.
The use of various poetic forms conveys the author's appreciation for the complexities and nuances of friendship, suggesting that such relationships are a significant and enriching aspect of human experience.
The author's reference to "The Bad Influence Ideastream" implies a contrast between superficial and genuine friendships, with the latter being a catalyst for personal development and happiness, akin to "charming gardeners" for the soul.

A fun little exercise about one of my favorite subjects

“Let us be grateful to the people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.” – Marcel Proust

Marla Bishop’s put together a series of writer’s prompts about friendship. Her article is below, after my responses to the prompts. I did three.

The first is a poem using the ten italicized words she provided.

The second is three related haikus about what it means to be a true friend. I based this on a friend who has been in my life since high school. I used to describe her as “one of my best friends who I really didn’t like.” (Oh, high school girls!) Now I know she’s one of my greatest gifts ever.

The third is a limerick using the two first two lines from the prompt.

True Friends

Are you friend or foe? How do I know? It’s more than just a feeling.

My cohort each time, My sidekick in crime, The one who brings much healing.

Open and warm Understanding the storm Loyalty ever revealing.

Impatient you’re not Truths that you’ve taught Your endearment is so appealing.

Hai Like You (A haiku about a true long term friendship)

I called you my friend But really didn’t like you Those first years we met.

Yet you stayed around And I saw another side Loyalty abides.

Now we are older And I recognize the gift Of long time friendship.

A Little Limerick

There are pals, friends, and soulmates companions, buddies, dates… The laugher, the jokes You don’t have to coax The antics our alliance creates!

Here’s the link for the Ideastream from Marla and The Bad Influence. Thanks all!

The Bad Influence Ideastream

Friendship In Three Ways

A fun little exercise about one of my favorite subjects

That’s What Friends Are For

The pandemic is bringing out the best in us