Only the Real Ones

I am so grateful
for the real ones
in my life:

The ones who
stay true to you
no matter what;

The ones who
wear their souls
on their faces
even if they have
an option to wear a mask;

The ones who ache
whenever you’re hurt
& never draw their power
from your sorrows;

The ones who feel elated
whenever you’re happy
& would even throw a party
for the pettiest cause of celebration; and

The ones who dream with you
& build those dreams
together with you.

I am so grateful
for the real ones
in my life,

because

they make me feel
that my paradise is
always at my arms’ reach
as long as they are in it.