Essay

 You and I stood brimming with hopes, fears and fantasies that day,

Anticipating our first year of university,

We bonded so much by midterms that you asked a favour of me,

I said I would be delighted to edit your essay,

That night I had a red pen in my hand as I entered your world,

As I read your thoughts, I was left in awe of what you know,

The stack of papers on my desk was a brilliant manifesto,

In a daze, I followed your argument as it unfurled,

Amazed and a bit envious of your wonderful style,

I was sure you took pleasure in displaying your intellect,

That you made me read this so I could marvel at the extent,

And when some lines sound the way you speak I can not help but smile,

For they betray your origins but only I can tell,

It is that rural speech that you thought you had unlearned,

After you worked so hard for everything that you earned,

Only I can spot this subtlety because I know you so well,

This university considers you a source of pride,

They know you for the glittering prizes that you win,

To others, your dazzling intelligence makes their head spin,

But I am happy knowing I could not match you if I tried,

I am honoured to be your friend and most content when I’m at your side