Friends, I Am.... (gratitude)

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!" 

Author's Note

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! : )

Reviews

[Sunita Jugran]

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 :)

[Richard🖌]

Beautiful, Sunita! : )
Your sweet review poem touched me deeply and warmly … how wonderful to know we feel the same and have connected.
Hugs 'n blessings of happiest thanks! ⁓ Richard

[Sunita Jugran]

Blessings to you too :)

[Fredyman100]

It's a great poem, I like the 6th stanza

[Richard🖌]

Thank you, Fredyman, for reading, for the praise, and for liking somethingg.
Welcome to the site! ⁓ Richard

[Fredyman100]

Thank u

[Renée]

A great ode to friendships..no matter how long or giving a stranger a smile in passing, we impact each other greatly.
I hope you don't mind me asking.. "Where is Thumbkin?" ( :

[Richard🖌]

Aw, he's bashful, being standoffish, over there by hisself, just hanging-out, keeping as far away from Tiny as he can … LOL!
Renée,
I knew if there were anyone who would feel the true essence of this one, it is You!

Thanks for the very nice compliment, sweet lady. : )
Bless you, Lovely Poetess … big hugs! ⁓ Richard

[Renée]

Chuckling @ your explanation! ( :

[Richard🖌]

Isn't poetry so much fun, Renée! 🤗

[Renée]

Oh it is, Sir Richard, and my Thumbkin highly agrees too!

[Angelheart1]

My friend, I believe that we sometimes become a reflection of those closest to us or people whom we admire so the words you have shared are very meaningful.

Richard, it is a pleasure to read your words which I find carry a deep, heartfelt message as this one did. I look forward to reading more from the now as well as from your archives.

As Elbert Hubbard quoted ""In order to have friends, you must first be one."

It gives me great pleasure to call you a friend - my friend. 🌻

[Richard🖌]

Hi, Dear Angel,
It is a blessing to receive your inspiring and gratifying words for this uniquely sentimental little bit of enlightening verse.
I enjoyed the befitting quote you shared, M'Lady … thank you kindly! : )
Appropriately, one of Hubbard's quotes that come to mind in the moment is:
"A friend is one who knows you and loves you just the same."
Another (Bob Hope used to quote) is:
Don't take life so serious — you'll never get out of it alive!"

It is my delightful pleasure, Sweet Poetess, to pleasure you, and to inspire you to want to read more of my humble poetry … warmest, most grateful hugs to You! ⁓ Richard

[Angelheart1]

It is MY pleasure to read your words Sir!

[Vatsal Rohilla (account..]

I agree with you on all your grounds. The people whom we meet and the people with whom we spend our life shape oneself. You have good people as your companions and you would become a good person, the opposite is veracious too.
Your poem journeys through the pages of your book of life and tells us about all those lovely friends of yours with whom you have lived life. The one special friend you have written this for would we enraptured to read this. There are some stand-out ones whom we meet and live with, we can never forget them, it is both the traits of that person and the traits of oneself. The person who calls another person good is a good person himself.
A very nice read. Enjoyable to a high degree. Keep writing.

[Richard🖌]

Hi, Vatsal : )
It is wonderful to see you today, My Fine Friend, and to receive your excellently-composed review of deep understanding and wisdom that lets me know we've connected, on a meaningful level of mutual appreciation and regard.
I thoroughly enjoyed your take on friendship and its different effects on one's life and being.
I am most proud to be your friend, and one those for whom this poem was written … many grateful blessings, M'Dear Friend! ⁓ Richard

[Vatsal Rohilla (account shifted)]

I am proud of being your friend too.

[GalaxyGhost]

This a beautiful poem on friendship and that friendship is highly valuable as true friendship is hard to find these days. Because we live in a world that is focused on wealth, we lose our way because we lose that part of us that yearns for connection. Friendship makes us human.

[Richard🖌]

Thank you, GG! : )
Your praise is as inspiring as your insights and understandings are most valued and agreed with.
You make me feel proud to be your friend … hugs 'n happy smiles to you! ⁓ Richard

[GalaxyGhost]

You are so welcome!

[J. J. Nightingale]

Sometimes we are remiss in telling a person, what they have meant to our life's experience..

Sooooooooooooooooooooooooooo.. I will now tell YOU

I am happy to have made your acquaintance , here in the Cafe.. It has been a
"WONDERFUL" learning experience..!

Well done !!! ............Jazzy

[Richard🖌]

Thank you so deeply for the sweetness, M'Lady.
I've always considered you to be a delightfully wise, insightful, and beautiful woman, Jasmine … I want you to know this, too.

I am more than a little honored to have met you, as-well, and feel deeply privileged to share (what I have always felt) were some truly lovely moments.

Sometimes, beauty and wonderment take a while to come into focus before we can see clearly what's before us, and how splendid it is when it does … warmest, most thankful hugs to you, Dear Jasmine! ⁓ Richard

[J. J. Nightingale]

I DID EDIT.... LEFT OUT A WORD..SORRY.... YOU ARE WELCOME !..AND THANKS FOR THE KIND COMMENTS....

[Richard🖌]

For You, always1 : )

[J. J. Nightingale]

:)............................................

[Coyote Poetry]

Your words written with skill and wisdom. Good to appreciate the kind people who assist us. We need other writers to help us improve and network our work. Powerful and worthwhile thoughts.
Coyote

[Richard🖌]

Hi, John!
I am thrilled to welcome to my pages and to make a new friend for my list. 😃
read moreHi, John!
I am thrilled to welcome to my pages and to make a new friend for my list. 😃
I could not agree with your knowing sentiments, we all so need to hear and embrace.
Bless you your kind and generous heart, Dear Fellow-Poet … you make me proud to wire and share with You! ⁓ Richard

[Coyote Poetry]

Good to have found your words. I will return later and read more.

[Richard🖌]

(the part cut-off after "read more", as best i can recall)
I could not agree more with your knowing sentiments, we all need to hear and understand.
Bless you your kind and generous heart, Dear Fellow-Poet … you make me proud to write and share with you! ⁓ Richard