Version 3: You & I

[Richard]

Hey ClaireLou,
I think this poem has some promise. However, as you noted in your into, it is sappy in spots. I hope I'm not to overbearing with some of my suggestions, but I do have some thoughts on how to edit this into a tighter poem:

I wrote this for my friend of over 30 years so I feel I'm allowed to be a little sappy

You make me smile,
everyday, if just for a moment
I think of you. -I would cut this stanza because it doesn't really say much to me as a reader.

Not friends but sisters,
not of blood, of heart,
a part of each others memories, -I would start the poem with this line and add "We are" at the start of it. I quite like the image here.
wrapped in blotting paper,
seeped with ink.

We may be older
but we have fought pirates,
buried treasure
& believed in fairies. -This stanza is fine and gives some layers to the speaker's relationship.

You know my secrets, -I would cut this line.
they are sealed in a box -I would change this to, "Our secrets sealed in a box".
at the bottom of the garden,
silent, safe.

I will always remember
each tear shed,
a stream forever
surging through my veins.

My heart,
never hidden,
open to the sun,
forever to feel it's glow. -I would suggest cutting the last two stanzas. It's obvious that you're trying to express how strong your friendship is, but it's done in a way that doesn't make it sound any different than any other valued relationship I've ever read about. The middle three stanzas I suggested keeping are the most interesting parts of the poem, and give the relationship some intrigue. 

I hope this didn't seem too harsh for a basic critique. I do think you have some nice images here. You just need to focus on them in order to produce a stronger poem.

Cheers,
Richard