A Friend

A friend is one who stands to share
Your every touch of grief and care. 
He comes by chance, but stays by choice;
Your praises he is quick to voice.

No grievous fault or passing whim 
Can make an enemy of him. 
And though your need be great or small, 
His strength is yours throughout it all.

No matter where your path may turn 
Your welfare is his chief concern. 
No matter what your dream may be 
He prays your triumph soon to see.

There is no wish your tongue can tell 
But what it is your friend's as well. 
The life of him who has a friend Is double-guarded to the end.

"A Friend" by Edgar A. Guest

Be a friend. You don't need money: 
Just a disposition sunny; 
Just the wish to help another 
Get along some way or other; 
Just a kindly hand extended 
Out to one who’s unbefriended; 
Just the will to give or lend, 
This will make you someone’s friend.

Be a friend. You don't need glory. 
Friendship is a simple story.
Pass by trifling errors blindly,
Gaze on honest effort kindly,
Cheer the youth who’s bravely trying, 
Pity him who’s sadly sighing; 
Just a little labor spend 
On the duties of a friend.

Be a friend. The pay is bigger
(Though not written by a figure)
Than is earned by people clever
In what’s merely self-endeavor.
You'Il have friends instead of neighbors
For the profits of your labors; 
You'Il be richer in the end 
Than a prince, if you're a friend.

"Be a Friend" by Edgar A. Guest