THE GIFT OF FRIENDSHIP

If your bad habit screams, "Me First,"
. . . Break it.
If your spirit cries with thirst,
. . . Slake it.
If for company you yearn
And someone else's trust you earn,
When friendship's offered in return,
. . . Take it!
Just place your hand in his or hers;
. . . Grip it.
If imagined slight occurs,
. . . Skip it.
See what's needed, then give more.
And if a weed springs up, before
It chokes the path to your friend's door,
. . . Snip it!
If gratitude or praise is due,
. . . Heap it.
If a secret's shared with you,
. . . Keep it.
When a seed has taken root,
Beside your friend stand resolute,
And when the full-grown tree
bears fruit,
. . . Reap it!

~Mary Sullivan Georgetown, TX, USA