Writing a character reference
for a friend
for someone I thought I knew
to mitigate their crimes
to ease them on their future journey
humbled, kneecapped and sore
Two thoughts spring to mind…

What good have they done
and how can it be expressed
Were they always the first to lend a hand
were they always there for those in need
Which of their actions
should I recall and paint in colour
How good a friend or person
were they really

And if the tables were turned
if I was desperately asking
what would they or anyone
have to say, have to list
have to generously express
about my character
What have I done
that was unequivocally right
or just
or generous beyond expectation

This simple favour asked
leaves me questioning 
my future path
I want the goodness
to be writ large
embossed into the soles
of the footprints I leave behind…

[2023]