Not Just Hello

Life can be so beautiful
And it can be so sweet,
If only we are interested
In people whom we meet.

If only we extend our thoughts
Beyond a mere hello,
And strive a bit unselfishly
To help a friendship grow,

Just to linger there a while
And be most gracious then,
And set a certain time and place
Where we shall meet again.

"Hello" is such a happy word
And yet so very small,
That it can vanish swiftly from
The moments we recall.

So let us try to cultivate
Each person whom we meet,
Our dearest friend may be the one
We incidentally meet.

~ James J. Metcalfe