genuine friendship

By Heera Alaya

March 8th, 2017

The early rays of sun slice through the mist and travel in sync with the gentle pine-perfumed breeze, and bird songs play out interjected with crisp notes—dewy grass munched and crunched by two incredibly handsome creatures—Poppy and Thistle.*

Kissed by a golden glow, Poppy and Thistle inch closer, slathering on their charm to disarm me. And I walk right into it, as I did the previous day and the day before. Joyous to get Poppy and Thistle fresh treats, I get on the bike and pedal past orchards to pick fresh fruit, reminiscing about stealing (I do.) from various orchards in different countries. Bucketing down rain or ferocious guard dogs (that have me scrambling for the car) hasn’t stopped me. I have polished my act just a tad—when possible, I tack thank you notes to trees and introduce myself to the orchard’s owner or caretaker. Often intrigued with my direct explanation or learning of my contentment—to pick a few fruits from the ground—they [orchard’s owner or caretaker] generously lead me to their picking ladders: “Let me show you the ripe ones. See you tomorrow. Let us know how your friends enjoyed the fruit!”

I receive an equally warm reception on my return. What appears to be a howl of laughter from Poppy is excited snorting. Dashing towards me, Poppy kicks her hoofs and contorts her mouth, assuming she can scarf down Thistle’s portion of the treat. Not one to be content with diddling on the side, Thistle establishes his assertiveness, packing quite the punch for his small size. The message is clear: “I love you, Poppy, but I enjoy my treat just as much as you do yours.” This burro [Thistle] means business.

To watch Poppy and Thistle in action is a barrel of laughter! My hands are no laughing matter either—they are coated with a gooey-pokey concoction of fruit juice, saliva and hay. Seeing me wash my hands at a distance, Poppy neighs; it’s her way of demanding treats. The easiest thing would be to give into Poppy’s cravings and feed her more fruit, but to buckle to her whims and fancies would reinforce unhealthy behaviour. Moreover, I don’t want Poppy (or Thistle) to waddle with a belly full of fruit. Firm love is about being gentle and giving while exercising responsibility.

To counter Poppy’s impatience, I move away to her calmer friend, Thistle, to talk. I then walk away. Sure enough, Thistle calms his friend with wholesome, no-nonsense nudges. With vocal cords rested, the darling duo approaches me like well-behaved Labradors; their postures speak: we are obedient and charming, and yes, a treat or two or three is welcome.

Poppy’s world would not have been as loving and secure if not for Thistle, who was brought in as a baby burro to be a soothing friend to Poppy. Seeing these physically strong animals display unpretentious tenderness infuses me with optimism; I feel the same when interacting with (rare) people whose strength of character exudes great sensitivity.

There is more to this friendship than meets the eye—all of Poppy and Thistle’s playfulness breathes depth. Their mutual affection is visible from how they lean into each other and hover around close, grazing nonstop. On gloomy days, when Poppy is stressed, Thistle horses around and soothes her anxiety: “Cheer up buddy. The grey clouds are clearing to reveal brilliant blue skies. You are going to be fine,” he perks Poppy.

Poppy and Thistle’s friendship manifests trust and care, similar to mature and compassionate people. In the space created by sincere people, each gesture is cemented in wellness. With well-developed healthy self-esteem, you can value people more profoundly—cultivate relationships for who people are and not for what they appear to be.

Through Poppy and Thistle’s friendship, I discovered that one does not find gems amid glitter—it’s a place where lack-lustre congregates to feel “sparkly.” Instead, it’s in ordinariness that you will find individuals who glow with their natural light. Poppy and Thistle’s sincerity also reaffirms that the essence of kissing should be one of connection, comfort, and compassion.

* Names changed, as Poppy and Thistle are big on privacy!