Of Friendship

Those you hold close,

trust,

confide in,

are not often your friends.

They listen,

only to form stories

that are often untrue.

Your words become twisted,

gossip,

another, "Did you hear?"

Another story,

about you,

but not for your ears.

You're often hurt,

always confused,

never know why.

But a hand

touches your shoulder.

A smile

comes from a face,

familiar,

yet unknown,

but not unfriendly.

A friend is not always

a buddy,

a husband, a wife,

brother, sister,

mother, father,

No.....

A true friend is often

the forgotten

face in the crowd.

The nice person,

you never took time to know,

but suddenly realize

you should know.

The friendly voice that says,

"I understand."

© March 14, 1987