In The Names of Friendship

Different friendships - different values.............

 

In the Names of Friendship.

 

 

Friends are a funny breed

using various relationships

to foster

their own particular type

of specialised friendship.

 

 

There is no doubt that each of us,

has had contact with people

and friends such as these,

at some point in our life.

 

 

Maybe,

Some of the following types are familiar

reminding you of people you know.

 

 

The user.

 

No matter how often you phone

or visit to say "hello"

these people need something done.

You are the only one they trust to do it properly.

This is usually something simple or mundane

and well within their own capabilities.

 

 

The do-gooder.

 

The kind who is always first

to jump in and do it for you,

They will cry out, "but I only wanted to help!"

never bothering to ask if you wanted

or needed help in the first place.

 

 

The fair weather kind.

 

Variable.

In abundance when all is well,

but nowhere to be found when they could help.

 

 

Those who cannot say "no thanks"

 

and wind up being angry

and feeling obligated to the "helpful helper!"

 

 

The righteous ones.

 

 

The kind who take over giving you no choice

"it’s for your own good, dear, I know what’s best for you!"

 

 

While it is true

these are different types of friendships

and no doubt they can be useful,

in reality

none can be called true friendships.

 

 

In each of the above examples, one person

is all giving or all receiving.

When the outcome

is mutual satisfaction for both parties,

then the friendship can be beneficial,

but in most cases, one or the other

eventually feels

angry, frustrated, or obligated.

This is no basis for a true lasting friendship.

 

 

Then there is the other kind of friendship.

 

 

The kind, sweet, gentle, loving,

understanding, deep caring friendship

that just is.

 

 

There is no fanfare, no trumpet, no acclaim.

 

 

Simply the holding out of a hand

offering love,

strength and companionship.

Not questioning,

neither condemning nor condoning,

letting you know you are not alone,

someone who cares is waiting close by

willing to be of service to you.

 

 

This friend

will last long after hurts

and fears have disappeared.

This friend

will fly with you to dizzy heights

and be there as a safe harbour of sanity

when you plummet into the depths of despair.

 

This special person

knows what is in your heart

and accepts and loves you for yourself

giving you the best gift anyone can give.

 

A TRUE FRIEND.

 

 

ã Copyright jen_JG June 2008

 

 

 

Author's Note

written as an essay, converted into a 'poem' - any and all comments welcome

Reviews

[BelieveInCelia]

'Experience' seems to be the co-author here! Insightful. True, honest and from the heart.
As we journey through life finding those precious 'gems' are a blessing.
Celia

[melanie j bean]

very beautiful! yes we've all learned the hardway who our true friends are, I have to say my husband is my best friend, a few are lucky to rank near by and they don't live in the same state! I guess I've always been a dreamer wishing for that true dear friend to spend honest time with, but most seem only aquaintences that I don't envy their worldy-status-ladder-climbing-ways~

[A.J. Smith]

Very good life lesson here, Jen. I fear I have been some of these at times in my life...yikes!

[Pointblank]

As I read I tried to find myself. Im happy to say Im probably a mixture of them all from time to time. I enjoyed reading this though longer than I usually "stick" with long enough to expereince the end. You held me and thats the best compliment of all. Thank You for sharing. Lovely.

[Nick Erickson]

True friendship, something rare in life, not just today but always.
Don't forget the "EAR", the one who listens quietly, never judging.
Well done Jen.

[Norma J. Jessee]

A true friend is a rare find in this day and time. As my dad used to say " As scarce as hens teeth " but when you have found one, you have a treasure worth more than any material treasure could ever be. This is a beautiful poem, Jen. This one goes to my fav's.
Thank you for sharing this with us.

[DarkAngelWriter]

^_^

This really made me appreciate my closest friends...

Thank you. :)

[DarkIriswriter]

This is so much true many of friends appealing to you when they want to know you..A way of words is a description on how you can depend on someone with the deepest loalty known to anyone. Great write!

sara

[Phil Sanders]

Delightfully written .. and all sooo true .....

[Winter McPherson]

Such an interesting piece. Yes, I've known quite a few of these "friends"! Oh, that we all strive to be the "true friend".