FRIENDSHIP

Friendship is a wondrous gift, But much depends on what you make of it. Even the greatest gifts may bring dark sorrow And the least of gifts might produce joy that never wanes from time or use. Friendship cannot be purchased. Such companions may flee like a hireling shepherd As soon as the wolves of life charge Snarling into the midst of the flock. Or like vile pirates, shanghai you, Work you to tatters and bony flesh, Then leave you stranded on the desert island Of your worst nightmares soiled, shamed and lonely. True friendship must be earned And then you must never forget That you do not own that friend. He or she merely shares the journey. And who but God knows for how long? Till death do us part or hither and yon, Here a season then gone a season. Until someone closes your eyes For your final journey. Friends come in many shapes, sizes, colors and levels of intensity. You never know how long theyll stay. Time, trials and circumstance will prove their mettle. Many start out sweet and later become stale or sour. Then there are those who start out tart and crisp, But mellow like a fine merlot in an apple wood keg. Others have unique fragrances of personality That bond you to their hearts Even when the tides of life bear them away to distant shores. Rare like apples of silver, A few become tried in the crucible of life To stand the test of the refiners fire, Others become mere memories, Flashy 3 x 5 photos in your scrapbook album Of the good, bad and indifferent. WTO 7.5.11