The Friend is not Afraid of Intimacy by Paul Ferrini

Conceptual poetry is driven by theory and philosophy. In this poem Paul Ferrini studies renderings of Lao Tzu to form a catalyst for friendship. Much of the content is portrayed through imagery of Christ's life on Earth.

Finding it like a conglomeration of a handful of Tzu's verses, especially 10, in this tale it would be easy for a person to imagine poverty as a condition of friendship; however, it is a greater testimony to a balance between independence and dependence.

No matter how much he likes you,
He knows he cannot lose himself.
The friend has tattered clothes,
Yet does not hesitate to give you his coat.

A friend who is a separate person is able to enjoy another person's company without co-dependence, because they live their own life. In addition, even when suffering hardship they offer assistance because they know it is the correct action. A person with healthy relationships recognizes the duality friendship. Though the example is in tattered clothes, implying hardship or poverty, it also implied the greater actions of Christ who was generous with every action.

A New Testament story revolves around a woman who is jealous of the wealthy parading gifts of charity down the streets when she was only able to give the coin in her pocket. It was her only coin; therefore, her contribution was a greater than the required ten percent. Relative significance was greater than a fleet of livestock from wealthy ranchers.

He knows that helping others never hurts,
And holding others back never helps.

Reemphasizing or clarifying this point, a friend knows, "helping others never hurts." The reflective opposite is, "holding others back never helps." When thinking of a student, they need time to study. A friend might want to socialize; however, a true friend will assist by planning a separate time to socialize and allow their friend to study. In return they socialize at a later time, because when in an equal friendship both friends consider each other's needs. When this happens balance is found. Neither is overly needy or demanding. Both work together in harmony. This is a method to determine if someone is a friend and if a friend to someone else.

He desires nothing,
Yet every one of his needs is met.

Theoretically this is the outcome of being a good friend and having good friends. Striving to interact with compromise produces a constructive experience. This also has a Biblical premise in the Old and New Testament. Those who obey the Word of God, associated to moderation and humility, will always have what they need not always what they want. Ferrini implies maintaining good relationships assist is in avoiding the disastrous activity of coveting or wanting things a person cannot or should not have.

Quirky Books
The Great Way of All Beings by Lao Tzu