What is a friend? A friend is there in need.
In want and strife, when no one else is there;
Cry out his name and to your side he’ll speed,
Make light your load, and half your burden share.
A friend is one who’ll try to understand
Though your vices and faults he may despise,
He’ll lend to you a firm, unwav’ring hand,
He’ll counsel, you but never moralise.
A friend won’t sell you short of what you’re worth,
He’ll tolerate you when you act the fool,
Though you may be the biggest dupe on Earth,
He’ll never hold you up to ridicule.
A friend is like a brother, only more:
Has he not one, a billionaire is poor.
[The above was first published in A Purpose Strong And Bright.]
Back To Index Of Sonnets