Friends, I Am.... (gratitude)

Friends, I Am.... (gratitude)

A Poem by Richard🖌
"

Unmetered Quatrains: "I'm sending out this message addressed this day to You, because you're on my list of those that I'm indebted to."

"

      


Friends, I Am....

~ to my friends everywhere ~


There is a list of folks I know

Written neatly in a book,

Sometimes, when I'm alone

I'll open it to take a look.


Each name, a genuine person

Who's crossed my path in time;

And, from that passing they in turn

Glow warmly-deep, within this rhyme.


In those moments it dawned on me

The names aren't a mere part,

Of this book held in these hands;

They're a list straight from my heart.


However fantastic it may seem

For me to state this claim,

It is I who am truly composed

Of each remembered name.


Though, you may not be aware

Or know of our special link,

You have helped shape my life

More than you might ever think.


Do not accept this written

As merely common or routine,

Yet, as proof you aren't forgotten

From days then, now, or in-between.


I'm sending out this message

Addressed this day to You,

Because, you're on my list

Of those that I'm indebted to.


Whether I have known you

For many days or few,

Some way you still take part

In sharing in the things I do.


Although, I am the sum

Of all the folks I've met,

You are a friend I wish

... Never to forget ...



Richard W. Jenkins

©1976



Author's Comments:

"It came to mind this morning, as I was wondering just who I really am,

pausing to ask whom from throughout my lifetime of experiences I've become,

there's something I penned long ago I'd like to share with all my friends here:

I remembered that I am all I've ever experienced, learned, done, dreamed, etc;

but, by far and large, I am part of all those who've touched and influenced me.

Perhaps, you may, also, feel this is true of you; I do. and  it is still just as real!" 

© 2021 Richard🖌


Compartment 114
Compartment 114
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Author's Note

Richard🖌
Photo courtesy of Google Images.

One pulled from the archives that is just as true today as it was when I first put it to paper … literally, with a pen (no personal computers, yet).

Please, feel free to offer any helpful critique or comments you think will better my efforts! : )

My Review

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Featured Review

Yes, yes, and yes. This poem is so true. I feel same.

Some of you, I know by face
Some of you, just a name
Some of you are unknown like me
Some have achieved the fame

To some of you, I talk at times
Some understand without a word
For some I am a troublesome pest
For some, I am a wonderful world.

No matter what it is, how it is
I am glad that it is so
We all are walking our own paths
But so nice to stop and say HELLO :)

Posted 7 Years Ago


3 of 3 people found this review constructive.

Richard🖌

7 Years Ago

Beautiful, Sunita! : )
Your sweet review poem touched me deeply and warmly … how wonderful.. read more
Sunita Jugran

7 Years Ago

Blessings to you too :)



Reviews

Richard, even though this one has been pulled from your archives ~ the words are still alive with heartfelt words shared by the man many of us still call "friend".

This is a very lighthearted piece with a sing~along feel to it which made me smile as I read through each line/stanza.

Thank you Richard, for sharing this very personal piece and I do hope that my name is written neatly in that book of yours.

Blessings, 🙏
~ mj

Posted 6 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Richard🖌

6 Years Ago

Yes, Mary Jo,
I agree that true friendship is a lifelong feeling, for it dwells and lives in .. read more
This is a wonderful tribute to the shapers of your life. Everyone - good, bad or indifferent - played a part and we should all take a page from your piece and let those people know.
Not a poet, therefore not a credible critic, but I really liked this...it rhymes! *laughing*

Posted 6 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Richard🖌

6 Years Ago

I think, Dear Carol,
One must not be a composer of flow and rhyme to appreciate the wondermen.. read more
Carol Cashes

6 Years Ago

Tomfoolery! I'm using that word today for even the sound of it defines it. I appreciate your chari.. read more
Richard🖌

6 Years Ago

Here! Here!
Happy 4th to you, Dear Lady-Poet!
Beautifully expressed, Richard!

Sometimes we forget to honor our friends....those who may often stick closer than a brother. Where would we be, if those unconditional friends were not sent to us, at the right time? :)

Posted 6 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Richard🖌

6 Years Ago

How very true, SV,
And, how wonderful of you to come along to write your name in my little bo.. read more
Beautifully crafted writing Richard-for me the verse beginning 'In those moments...' and 'However fantastic...' get at the deep meaning of the poem, that people I have met form me in some way or another e.g. I am an artist so was my late father 1 am interested on the old testament and judaism, my best friend at school was Jewish-this poem has done the supremely important thing, it has made me stop and think

Posted 6 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Richard🖌

6 Years Ago

Why thank you, George!
A coupl'a nice verses you've highlighted, too … I understand and who.. read more
George Coombs

6 Years Ago

Your welcome Richard
written so long ago sir!! profound for what must have been a very young age ...i think of how my life at that time was bent on catching up to the young lady that became my wife and the mother of my children ...no one has impacted me more the she ... tho your poem inspires me to name many more ... i so appreciate this poem and grateful you have resurrected it for us here at the cafe .... so very appropriate as we read and share and become part of one another every day ..big love and peace to you today my friend!
E.

Posted 6 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Richard🖌

6 Years Ago

Hi, Gene!
Well, I began writing poetry at age nine, so this one came about at a tender age, y.. read more
Einstein Noodle

6 Years Ago

your very welcome sir.
Richard you are so good with words.

Beautiful write up.I relate so well with this.The fifth stanza especially.l have friends who think l have forgotten all we shared in the past because we seldom communicate.When little things compete for your attention daily,you just have little strength for what really really matters.

So much love to my friends who are the '''untold stories"' in my quest for self discovery.

Well done Richard

Posted 7 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Richard🖌

7 Years Ago

Thank you sincerely, Chinny! : )
I am truly grateful you selected this heartfelt piece to re.. read more
A fantastic write about how friends affect our lives, and what an impact each has on us, whether large or small, they have helped to mold us into who we are. Love it! :)

Posted 7 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

SJ Mullins

7 Years Ago

They are yucky, trust me, and I love seafood!
Richard🖌

7 Years Ago

I love scallops, but mixed in seafood gumbo … hmmm?
SJ Mullins

7 Years Ago

Yep, and it was slimy and nasty. Toni is a great cook. I rarely eat cabbage, but she makes some ca.. read more
How lovely a friendship poem this is. Yes, we are all effected by each and every person who crosses our paths. Each person teaches us something and leaves us a bit changed. We have to be thankful for that. Great rhyming in this poem. I enjoyed it. Lydi**

Posted 7 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Richard🖌

7 Years Ago

Thank you ever-so warmly, Lydi! : )
You're such a sweetheart, albeit a very wise and lovely .. read more
I don't consider this to be one of your best poems, but it is certainly a good one. I could feel the gratitude in this. Great job.

-William Liston

Posted 7 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Richard🖌

7 Years Ago

Yes, William,
I must honestly agree (in a way); yet, I think different genre of poetry should.. read more
William Liston

7 Years Ago

Yeah, I can see what you mean by "greeting card worthy." This poem is surely worth an "aww, thanks."
Richard🖌

7 Years Ago

Thumbs-up, buddy!
What a wonderful and well crafted tribute, Richard! I feel that you truly were tapping into memories of friends, old and new.

Posted 7 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Richard🖌

7 Years Ago

Thank you, Rita, for your kind words.

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Added on May 15, 2016
Last Updated on January 26, 2021

Author

Richard🖌
Richard🖌

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