A Friend's Greeting

I'd like to be the sort of friend

 that you have been to me;

I'd like to be the help that you've been

     always glad to be;

I'd like to mean as much to you

     each minute of the day

As you have meant, old friend of mine,

     to me along the way.

  

I'd like to do the big things

     and the splendid things for you,

To brush the gray out of your skies

     and leave them only blue;

I'd like to say the kindly things

     that I so oft have heard,

And feel that I could rouse your soul

     the way that mine you've stirred.

 

I'd like to give back the joy

     that you have given me,

Yet that were wishing you a need

     I hope will never be;

I'd like to make you feel

     as rich as I, who travel on

Undaunted in the darkest hours

     with you to lean upon.

 

I'm wishing at this Christmas time

     that I could but repay

A portion of the gladness

     that you've strewn along the way;

And could I have one wish this year,

     this only would it be:

I'd like to be the sort of friend

     that you have been to me.

 

By Edgar A Guest