FRIENDSHIP

You do not need a score of men to laugh and sing with you;

You can be rich in comradeship with just a friend or two.

You do not need a monarch's smile to light your way along;

Through weal or woe a friend or two will fill your days with song.

So let the many go their way, and let the throng pass by;

The crowd is but a fickle thing which hears not when you sigh.

The multitude is quick to run in search of favorites new,

And all that man can hold for grief is just a friend or two.

When winds of failure start to blow, you'll find the throng has gone -

The splendor of a brighter flame will always lure them on;

But with the ashes of your dreams, and all you hoped to do,

You'll find that all you really need is just a friend or two.

You cannot know the multitude, however hard you try;

It cannot sit about your hearth; it cannot hear you sigh;

It cannot read the heart of you, or know the hurts you bear;

It's cheers are all for happy men and not for those in care.

So let the throng go on its way and let the crowd depart;

But one or two will keep the faith when you are sick at heart;

And rich you'll be and comforted, when gray skies hide the blue.

If you can turn and share your grief with just a friend or two.