Looking for a Friend

A friend is just a stranger you have yet to meet

Today I set off walking from home to highways end,
not minding wind and weather in my search to find a friend.
I saw the sun arising and I saw it as it set,
and still I keep on walking as my friend as yet unmet.
I found a young girl crying leaving puddles on the ground,
so I bid her walk beside me as for yet my friend unfound.
We saw a man so nervous that he quickly tried to hide,
but together we encouraged him to come walk by our side.
A woman possessed by demons that doubted her self worth,
was the next to join our party as we walked this pleasant earth.
Children in need of guidence and adults that lost their way,
slowly joined our gathering as we searched both night and day.
Young and old of many colours many creeds and different faiths,
made up our growing numbers of the long forgotten waifs.
Well we lifted up the fallen and we carried the sick and lame,
and searched as one together for the one for which I came.
We gathered to us safely the mute the deaf the blind,
and held their hands to lead them for not one was left behind.
So although I searched in ernest my friend was never found,
for a friend is but a stranger that you've yet to invite round.
Remember then whilst walking in an unfamiliar place,
that the person that you meet next could be wearing a sad face.
It would only take a moment to change it to a smile,
and maybe you can join us as we walk the golden mile.

Author's Note

Why not make a new friend every day

Reviews

[Beth Winter]

Or perhaps say hello to an old friend that has been absent. Very well written :)

[Red Brick Keshner]

Indeed, why not? But oh the world is so much different now and was quite different back then, depending on where we position ourselves. And real friendship shall forge ahead, outlasting circumstance & epochs.

[AJ Kristiansen]

Yes Inyourshadow... well done... you've described so well the vast attributes of humanity and how we can often miss opportunities for friendship, closeness and love because of our perceptions of what we're looking for, what's right or good or going to work out... lots to think about in this poem... like your open heart and your expression here... :)

[Ruth]

So much is woven within this...potent message, have missed reading you love, hopefully I can find more time to do so lol
Brillaint!!! xoxo

[E.V. Black]

You know, it is very true that one never knows who one's next friend might be. Truthfully, I'm often nervous about approaching strangers. I always believe that they think that it's strange that some random person approaches them. Of course, it changes as the awkwardness dissipates into friendliness. It's happened many a time to me in my life. I've made very good friends from just approaching them as a stranger.

I'm glad you wrote this, Shadow. It's a very insightful piece that might help others make friends out of strangers.

[Kate W]

Beautifully written and very moving :)

[Thomas Fitzgerald]

Quirky in the mindset of friendship, I shall be thy friend as it were, well done, good read.

[Baz]

Very nice poem D. Up to your usual high standards. Top notch.

[McKinleyA]

Manly tears were shed. That was beautiful, well-written, and I am honored to get to read this excellent poem.