For Kathryn

Friend of so many years

you stand at a crossroads

stymied in a place

where indecision reigns

I stand as mute witness

to your courageous struggle

frozen by a sense of helplessness

not knowing what to say or do

I long to help you

yet I lack the skills or strength

to make all things better

to chase away the dragons
to sweep out the corners
where scary spiders dwell

I'd smooth out any bumps

over which you might stumble
but I too am unsure
as to which path you will choose

So know, my dear friend

if I could wave a magic wand

to make all things better
to give you clear foresight

with not a heartbeat's hesitation

I would, dear
I would