Relationships: Sand, Shells, and Gems

Eyes glistened, footsteps hastened at sight of the beach,
Cupped hands breaking the surface within reach.
Little resistance met through the smooth soft sand,
Scooping up as much with your two bare hands.

Loose grains and small bits fall through the gaps.
Not important nor mattering much, perhaps?
What remains, gorgeous stones and precious seashells in palm.
Greedy, you plan to keep all within that clump.

All these stones and gems so dazzling from the sea.
Not noticing, you let go some while in a state of glee.
A jolt of pain from what seemed like a cut —
Jabbed into your flesh, a sea glass shard.

Hurt yet wanting to keep the beautiful ornament of the shores.
It pains with each passing second, to hold, you’ll only be left upset and with multiple sores.
Letting go of what seemed precious reluctantly along the way,
The load is lighter, the pain is less — you’re gonna be all okay.

You return to make your count,
Expecting disappointment having lost a great amount.
With little in hand compared to the very start,
You’re satisfied with these few precious gems — a happy heart.

Multiple trips made to different shores,
Collecting new treasures, also picking up pieces once lost.
My hefty collection expanded over many Springs and many Falls,
Memories of each, fret not — for I will always, always recall.

My prized bunch through the years,
You stuck through tough times and helped me overcome my greatest fears.
To my closest and dearest of friends,
This is how I know that you are my gems.