Everyone Needs Someone

People need people and friends need friends 

And we all need love for a full life depends 

Not on vast riches or great acclaim, 

Not on success or on worldly fame, 

But just in knowing that someone cares 

And holds us close in their thoughts and prayers- 

For only the knowledge that we're understood 

Makes everyday living feel wonderfully good, 

And we rob ourselves of life's greatest need 

When we "lock up our hearts" and fail to heed 

The outstretched hand reaching to find 

A kindred spirit whose heart and mind 

Are lonely and longing to somehow share 

Our joys and sorrows and to make us aware 

That life's completeness and richness depends 

On the things we share with our loved ones and friends. 

~ Helen Steiner Rice