Here’s to All My Friends

H. W. Bryce

Here’s to all my friends,
Left long behind of old
In the dust of distant past,
Although forgotten not,
You’re the ones who made me
The man I am today.

Here’s to the friends for just a day
Who helped me in some other way.
The milk of human kindliness
Shone in their friendly eyes.

Here’s to the many strangers
Who lent a helping hand,
The ones who stayed on after
’Cause they’d become my friends.

Here’s to all my friends at the care home
Where I no longer go. My life moved on
But they stayed there and cared their care
To others’ caring needs. Such loving deeds.

To the boys and girls of childhood,
You’re not forgot, friendship was good,
And today it’s still in play.
Any time, my friends, come and stay.

Friendship is something that I bless.
I wish the best to all my friends.
I thank you for all your caring,
I’m indebted to your sharing—
Although sometimes life took some bends
Remember, friendships have no ends.

Here’s to all my friends, both new and old,
I drink your health, I wish you wealth
Of spirit, hope and strength. May I make so bold—
Friendship is gold, just like we’re told—
You are my hero, a true example of true friend,
I want to be like you. I want a friendship blend.

A friend in need is a friend indeed
For friendship is a creed,
For it holds true ’cause it works both ways
Even in troubled days.

Cheers!

Thanks to all my Facebook and LinkedIn friends: Skol. I toast you, with ginger ale. You’ve made it a pretty good year. Next year, the book.

PHOTO is by a family member, a few years ago.
Well, since I’ve been tagged so often now, I might as well come out and confess: This is what I look like. This is the picture they used in The Holy Wow Poets’ Anthology 2013.