Strangerfriends
Susan Ahlbrand
Alone in a full house
Still in a chaotic day
Haunted by the tickle of thought . . .
I become inspired by
a challenge
a mentor
an inspiration
by a strangerfriend
I put aside the needy students
I steal attention away from a house full of kids
I ignore my husband of 25 years
to prod my brain, my heart, my memories
for a creation in response.
Oddly, I open up to a room of strangers
sharing thoughts and feelings
that I wouldn’t share here in the home
where I am sheltered in place.
I am awed by the vulnerability others show
the raw sharing of abuse
the honest telling of fears
the open storytelling
the beautiful describing
with strangerfriends
I’ve often been skeptical of stories
of people finding “friends” online . . .
gaming, discussion boards, tinder.
Not anymore.
The safe culture
cultivating creativity and sharing
the honest, positive, specific feedback
affirming
encouraging
complimenting
from strangerfriends
in these uncertain times
full of anxiety and instability
void of connection and activity
the one constant has been
#verselove.
bringing comfort and wisdom
and inspiration and confidence
this room has been
cozier than being huddled up
under a fuzzy blanket on a couch.
I will forever be grateful
for the Godsend
of strangerfriends.