Have you walked on the stones of years?
When you speak, is it you that hears?
Are your ears full?

You can't hear anything at all

From Tarkus by ELP

Friendships ...

“I am looking for friends. What does that mean -- tame?" "It is an act too often neglected," said the fox. "It means to establish ties." "To establish ties?" "Just that," said the fox. "To me, you are still nothing more than a little boy who is just like a hundred thousand other little boys. And I have no need of you. And you, on your part, have no need of me. To you I am nothing more than a fox like a hundred thousand other foxes. But if you tame me, then we shall need each other. To me, you will be unique in all the world. To you, I shall be unique in all the world....” - from the book "The little prince" at times like this, when birthdays come and go, and you once again realize that there are friends who are miles away, who are still very close to your heart, and there are friends right here who have grown further and further apart ... and you wonder why ... then for me at least I wonder aloud is it me have I changed so much that some relationships no longer have the same weight in my memories, or is it them that they have learned to find new friends that matter more ... is it that friends come into our lives for a reason, bringing something we must learn, as we are led to those who will help us to grow, if we let them ... and help them in turn. But whatever may be the reasons for the distance or the intimacy, I'm grateful for the moments where we can find reasons to connect again even if it's only for the fleeting space of a Facebook post. And I learn once again the truth that what you invest is what will be returned, in attention, in understanding, in affection and in kind ... after all this is the essence of learning to love and being loved isn't it? To all my friends, good eggs all despite how cracked you may be now and then :)