If you are my friend now
or a friend I am yet to meet,
regardless of our differences,
I like you for being you.
And I always will.
I don’t care about
How rich or poor you are
The colour of your skin
Your religion
Your sexual preferences
Who you vote for
Your views on COVID or climate change
Your sporting preferences
Whether you like cats more than dogs.
I like you for
your intelligence,
sense of humour,
the way you treat people,
the way you treat animals,
your random acts of kindness,
the way you listen,
your dependability,
your strength of character,
your advice,
your humility
your manners,
your curiosity,
your ability to accept people the way they are,
the way you are always willing to help,
the way you make me laugh.
Thank you for being my friend.
I’ll always be here for you.

– Craig Arthur,
Townsville, Australia