Friends

 

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 The old man turned to me and asked,
 "How many friends have you?"
 Why 10 or 20 friends have I
 And named off just a few....

 He rose quite slow with effort
 And sadly shook his head
 A lucky child are you
 To have so many friends he said

 But think of what you're saying
 There is so much you do not know
 A friend is not just someone
 To whom you say "hello"

 A friend's a tender shoulder
 On which to softly cry,
 A well to pour your troubles down
 And raise your spirits high

 A friend's a hand to pull you up
 From darkness and despair
 When all your other so called "friends"
 Have helped to put you there.

 A true friend is an ally
 Who can't be moved or bought
 A voice to keep your name alive
 When others have forgot

 But most of all a friend's a heart
 A strong and sturdy wall
 For from the hearts of friends
 There comes the greatest love of all!

 So think of what I've spoken
 For every word is true
 And answer once again my child
 How many friends have you?

 And then he stood and faced me
 Awaiting my reply
 Soft and sad I answered
 "If lucky I have one."