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 :)

[heavenscentgirl1]

Richard, even though this one has been pulled from your archives ~ the words are still alive with heartfelt words shared by the man many of us still call "friend".

This is a very lighthearted piece with a sing~along feel to it which made me smile as I read through each line/stanza.

Thank you Richard, for sharing this very personal piece and I do hope that my name is written neatly in that book of yours.

Blessings, 🙏
~ mj

[Richard🖌]

Yes, Mary Jo,
I agree that true friendship is a lifelong feeling, for it dwells and lives in the heart.
It is truly rewarding to know you enjoyed the rhythm and beat throughout this piece, too.

You are most welcome, M'Dear, and I am more than sure I saw your name on that list … smiles 'n hugs! ⁓ Richard : )

[Carol Cashes]

This is a wonderful tribute to the shapers of your life. Everyone - good, bad or indifferent - played a part and we should all take a page from your piece and let those people know.
Not a poet, therefore not a credible critic, but I really liked this...it rhymes! *laughing*

[Richard🖌]

I think, Dear Carol,
One must not be a composer of flow and rhyme to appreciate the wonderment of its poetic beauty, but to say that you're not a poet is sheer tomfoolery … you're already a splendid poet, original and in your own style of foundation to build upon; I think you're creative, imaginative, and fantastic!

Now, that you've come along, a new page with a new name is added … with grateful, most gracious smiles 'n hugs! ⁓ Richard : )

[Carol Cashes]

Tomfoolery! I'm using that word today for even the sound of it defines it. I appreciate your charitable opinion of my literary litter, and it spurs me to aspire to better work. On this Independence Day, let us free our minds to wander the dark as well as the lit halls of our imagination and let come what may.

[Richard🖌]

Here! Here!
Happy 4th to you, Dear Lady-Poet!

[SleeplessVolcano]

Beautifully expressed, Richard!

Sometimes we forget to honor our friends....those who may often stick closer than a brother. Where would we be, if those unconditional friends were not sent to us, at the right time? :)

[Richard🖌]

How very true, SV,
And, how wonderful of you to come along to write your name in my little book and pay homage with me to all those who've captured our hearts in some small or huge way, eh?

Your insightful understanding let's me know how it feels to connect … thank you, My Friend! ⁓ Richard : )

[George Coombs]

Beautifully crafted writing Richard-for me the verse beginning 'In those moments...' and 'However fantastic...' get at the deep meaning of the poem, that people I have met form me in some way or another e.g. I am an artist so was my late father 1 am interested on the old testament and judaism, my best friend at school was Jewish-this poem has done the supremely important thing, it has made me stop and think

[Richard🖌]

Why thank you, George!
A coupl'a nice verses you've highlighted, too … I understand and wholly agree with your sentiments about how they brought to mind your father's and best school chum's affects on your life.
Poetry, like faith, often works in mysterious ways, eh?

Many grateful smiles to you, My friend! ⁓ Richard : )

[George Coombs]

Your welcome Richard

[Einstein Noodle]

written so long ago sir!! profound for what must have been a very young age ...i think of how my life at that time was bent on catching up to the young lady that became my wife and the mother of my children ...no one has impacted me more the she ... tho your poem inspires me to name many more ... i so appreciate this poem and grateful you have resurrected it for us here at the cafe .... so very appropriate as we read and share and become part of one another every day ..big love and peace to you today my friend!
E.

[Richard🖌]

Hi, Gene!
Well, I began writing poetry at age nine, so this one came about at a tender age, yes.
It fills my heart to know of yours, your wife's and children's life, and that this thoughtful little poem has inspired you to think of others that have taken a part in yours … and, I'm glad you're part of mine, now, too!

Thank you, My Fine, Kind Friend! ⁓ Richard : )

[Einstein Noodle]

your very welcome sir.

[Chinny Barney]

Richard you are so good with words.

Beautiful write up.I relate so well with this.The fifth stanza especially.l have friends who think l have forgotten all we shared in the past because we seldom communicate.When little things compete for your attention daily,you just have little strength for what really really matters.

So much love to my friends who are the '''untold stories"' in my quest for self discovery.

Well done Richard

[Richard🖌]

Thank you sincerely, Chinny! : )
I am truly grateful you selected this heartfelt piece to read, review, and comment on with such deep and abiding understanding, enjoyment, and beautifully gratifying praise.
I wholeheartedly concur with your choice of V5 and how you relate with its meaning, My Friend; for, I, too, am remiss in letting them know how very much they are appreciated and have effected my own life.

Many grateful thanks to you for such an inspiring and rewarding review, Chinny … warmest blessings to you! ⁓ Richard

[SJ Mullins]

A fantastic write about how friends affect our lives, and what an impact each has on us, whether large or small, they have helped to mold us into who we are. Love it! :)

[Richard🖌]

A bushel basket of thanks, Lady Suzanna! : )
How wonderful to sign-on and receive your warmly gratifying words of praise, expressed enjoyment, and keen understanding — first thing in the morning.

You sure go good with a hot mug of lapsang souchong … MMmmm! ⁓ Richard

[SJ Mullins]

Lol, I have no idea what that is, but I will take your word for it. :D Have a wonderful day!~

[Richard🖌]

It's a smoky tasting, full-leafed, tea from the High Himalayas, said to possess curative powers. I do not know about the curative part, but it smells like creosote and is an acquired taste … I love it! : )

[SJ Mullins]

The last time someone told me "it is an acquired taste" leaves some icky memories. My BFF is from New Orleans and she made some seafood gumbo one evening and asked us over to eat with her and family. It was nasty, and she is an excellent cook, I just didn't like some of the ingredients in the soup, scallops being one of them. She makes other gumbos, and they are wonderful. I do like meats with a smoky flavor. Can't say that I have ever had a drink with one. I don't particularly care for broccoli, but I eat it because I know it is good for me. I'd give it a try. :)

[Richard🖌]

The response I've gotten from everyone who took a sip is, EWWW! :`)~

I love a great seafood gumbo, BTW, but with scallops … um, I dunno?

[SJ Mullins]

They are yucky, trust me, and I love seafood!

[Richard🖌]

I love scallops, but mixed in seafood gumbo … hmmm?

[SJ Mullins]

Yep, and it was slimy and nasty. Toni is a great cook. I rarely eat cabbage, but she makes some cabbage rolls that will knock your socks off. ;)

[Lydia Shutter]

How lovely a friendship poem this is. Yes, we are all effected by each and every person who crosses our paths. Each person teaches us something and leaves us a bit changed. We have to be thankful for that. Great rhyming in this poem. I enjoyed it. Lydi**

[Richard🖌]

Thank you ever-so warmly, Lydi! : )
You're such a sweetheart, albeit a very wise and lovely one, who knows how to make a bard feel grateful and appreciative for your special brand of praise, enjoyment, and understanding.

You're among those I wish never to forget … happy smiles 'n hugs! ⁓ Richard

[William Liston]

I don't consider this to be one of your best poems, but it is certainly a good one. I could feel the gratitude in this. Great job.

-William Liston

[Richard🖌]

Yes, William,
I must honestly agree (in a way); yet, I think different genre of poetry should not be compared … it is unfair, because one tends to gravitate toward whatever best suites their fancy, personality, and needs, while each type of poetry stands alone in its own space, its own place, with its unique face, its own kind of grace — just waxing poetically … LOL!
I consider this particular poem and mode of poetry greeting card worthy, designed to reach a certain audience with its sentimental ambience, inspirational message, and enlightening appeal.
What I think this poem's best attribute is, is its unique and original sort of message.
I suppose every nicely-struck kind of poetry best fits somewhere, somehow, in some way, that suits and fascinates a certain audience of its readers in an adequate way, and, for me, this is one of those: Not all that great, but not all that bad! : )

Thanks, My Fine Friend, for reading and leaving honest commentary … your input is highly valued and appreciated! ⁓ Richard

[William Liston]

Yeah, I can see what you mean by "greeting card worthy." This poem is surely worth an "aww, thanks."

[Richard🖌]

Thumbs-up, buddy!

[Rita L. Sev]

What a wonderful and well crafted tribute, Richard! I feel that you truly were tapping into memories of friends, old and new.

[Richard🖌]

Thank you, Rita, for your kind words.