Friends

Our early friendships never fade,
Nor do they split frmo wear.
The threads from which these bonds are made
Are memories we share.

Those memories contain a strength
Akin to strength of youth
That,, as the years increase in length,
Intensifies this truth.

Much sharper to the aging eye
Are trials a long time spent.
Much clearer are the days gone by,
With laughter lightly lent,

Than what is going on right now
When problems posed are real
And time's too hurried to allow
The furrowed brow to feel.

We may not meet or clasp the hand
Or even ply the pen,
But still we're sure folks understand
Who knew us way back when

Because there pulls a tighter tie
To old friends than to new;
And they'll agree and tell you why:
They share those memories too.

~ Margaret Rorke