I knew what true friendship was.

In the 1st grade.

It was when someone would give me something, and ask me to play on the swings during playtime.

It was when someone would offer to help me with something, and then give me a compliment.

It was when someone was willing to play a game with me, and let me win.

It didn't matter that the person didn't know my name.

Or didn't talk to me as we got older, because we were the "best of friends."

5th grade.

By then friendship changed.

Friendship was no longer a compliment about my hair, and smile.

No longer about treats, and games.

Friendship was about secrets.

I didn't matter that the person didn't really know me.

My favorite song,

my favorite animal.

Or even my favorite thing to do.

Friendship was about secrets.

Keep mine, and I'll keep yours; friend.

8th grade.

Friendship was no longer about secrets.

No longer about rumors spread by people, with way too much time on their hands.

No longer about the hours spent talking about a person, that I didn't even know.

No longer about who liked who or who hated who.

Friendship was no longer something I could explain.

"Lean on my shoulder, and I'll lean on yours."

Thats what friendship told me.