Age

She says, Look. Look at my furniture.

She means the couch and matching chair 

Where we are seated perpendicularly 

In firm, plush, classic comfort, edges 

Worn from a grandchild's cat she's taken in.

My friend is not a cat person. She's kind,

Responsible. Trusted. Centering. Often

Feeling not good enough. I love sitting here

With her. I could replace it, but why?

I agree. She's only faintly ashamed,

At least enough to mention it. I'm enough

Like her that I far prefer this stable, 

Attractive place to sit together

That I depend on for as long as she's here.