My Friend
(Written for and first read at Fed Poets meeting 9 November 2023)
When looming clouds in dark skies crowd,
When to despair my thoughts do tend,
When murky mists my world enshroud,
Comes calm and comfort from my friend.
When fortune fails, all hope seems lost,
When all my dreams seem at an end,
When in woe I count the cost,
Comes help and guidance from my friend.
When in love my heart is broke,
When pain of parting will not mend,
When I reflect on cruel words spoke,
Comes understanding from my friend.
When bones do break, or plagues attack,
When with disease I do contend,
When aches and pains my body rack,
Comes to my aid my caring friend.
When all alone I seem to be,
With none on whom I can depend,
Then comes that help so dear to me -
A warm embrace from my dear friend!
