Sonnet XV

I made a boatswain for a friend:
He taught me turn and counter-turn,
And caught the current in the bend,
And made me steer, or try to learn.

I made a squirrel for a friend:
She sought me, swoon and counter-swoon,
And scoffed at scheming, played pretend,
And left the yard a bit bestrewn.

I made a hermit for a friend:
He fought me, point and counter-point,
And feigned surprise, and made me mend,
And dared me how to disappoint.

We make a someone for a friend:
We teach, seek, fight—until the end.