Your Friends

Chapter III in a book dedicated to my son. This chapter is to guide him in his selection of friends.

                        III
                 Your Friends

 

 

Son, it is very important that you realize,
How it is the nature of some to disguise.
Often, hiding behind a mask of lies-
Kindness the sword in a plan they devised.

 

Their final intent will always be very unsavory,
Only to use you - I call it “buddy” slavery.
Be wary of those that move in quick,
Talking real pretty and acting real slick.

 

Rather than waiting for someone to come,
Here is a better policy for endearing a chum.
Become involved with helping someone in need,
Offering your help freely and with love indeed.

 

Never, never ask for something in return,
Be a friend first by showing your concern.
Son, offer help to people enduring a trial,
And then they will walk with you many a mile.

 

People are much like flowers in a meadow,
Select the field in which you tread though,
Avoid the ones with many thistles and thorns,
Those have the folks that I previously warned.

 

Finding a meadow with great color of flora,
In choices of friends, you have a plethora.
And as you choose them, soon they will display,
Beauty and aroma from a lovely bouquet.

 

These friends will be another treasure in life,
Always comforting you when faced with strife.
Always remember you must water the bouquet,
For soon it will wither, if with care you delay.

 

Nurture your friendships with your sacrifice,
The flowers you call friends come with a price.
Because in the vase that holds their life’s days,
You too are a fragrant flower upon which they gaze.

 

I conclude this lesson hoping you comprehend,
If you’re a friend first, a friend you’ll apprehend.
You've been entrusted with an alabaster vase,
Fill it with flowers you find through God’s grace.
            

 

 

Reviews

[Rick Puetter]

Dear Todd,

I haven't commented on all of the poems in this series, but I've read them all. First, I have to say that the idea of the series is extremely admirable. Kudos! And again, when you turn to this type of more epic work I think you find the medium in which you belong. A very nice job. There are comments I could make here and there, but since this is obviously a work of love, I know that this will be polished brightly.

A wonderful legacy, my friend.

Best regards,

Rick

[BLFK]

A sore subject for many people, around my age, is friends. Most of the conversations on friendships are centered around men, and, usually, we do not make the smartest decisions with the opposite sex. (We being woman. I am not speaking about both female and male.) Being a Christian has saved me much pain, but I know others who are not so fortunate. . .
Does he believe what I do? Could I live with him for the rest of my life? Do we both agree on the same things?
I've asked those questions. I've asked them for simple friendships, and also for relationships. Friends are not essential in my life, but they sure show where I am in my relationship with Christ. I think it's important for everyone to remember the importance of choosing people, who will enter into our "circle", wisely.

Another wonderful chapter!

Much respect,

BLFK

[Angelic Darkness]

These are great, wonderful words of a fine man who dearly loves
his son. I felt every line, and felt every emotion of one day he
will be on his own. We know our children will have to learn things
for themselves, but it doesn't lesson our fear as parents. This is
going into my favorites. AD

[Jeanne Broome]

This is vital information in your growing up wisely series of poems. I loved it, and could have used it put that way to me when I was growing up. An Italian Catholic father with the old world morals and values (now that's good) , but throw in the mix... 6 daughters...and you end up with a grumpy and constantly vigilant and weary old man with a shotgun! tee hee! These are very wise words of wisdom Todd and you are doing a wonderful service to your son and others children by writing these down in such a colorful and interesting fashion.
Also thank you for the compliment on my family photos. haven't got all the kids in yet. Still working on it. Hugs~ Jeanne