Studies in amicology

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I. Oh, Love! Please teach me about true Friendship. For I have not known it in my life.

II. Oh, Love! Please teach me how True Friendship is like you. And how it is not. For I do not know.

III. Oh, Love! Please teach me how not to be jealous of True Friendship. For she is not your rival.

IV. Oh, Love! Please teach me how to distinguish True Friendship from false. For I have erred.

V. Oh, Love! Please teach me how to forgive a friend. For there is no True Friendship without forgiveness.

VI. Oh, Love! Please teach me about openness and trust. For there is no True Friendship without them.

VII. Oh, Love! Please teach me about concentration and selflessness. For there is no True Friendship without them.

VIII. Oh, Love! Please teach me how to give and accept True Friendship's warmth. For I fear I might burn.

IX. Oh, Love! Please teach me strength and patience I need to defend True Friendship. For many are those who jeer.

X. Oh, Love! Please teach me how to extinguish friendship when it turns toxic. For all things come to an end eventually.

(January 2013)