The Gift of Friendship

If your bad habit screams, "Me First," Break it. 
If your spirit cries with thirst, Slake it. 
If for company you yearn 
And someone else's trust you earn, 
When friendship's offered in return, Take it!


Just place your hand in his or hers; Grip it. 
If imagined slight occurs, Skip it. 
See what's needed, then give more. 
And if a weed springs up, before 
It chokes the path to your friend's door, Snip it!


If gratitude or praise is due, Heap it. 
If a secret's shared with you, Keep it. 
When a seed has taken root, 
Beside your friend stand resolute, 
And when the full-grown tree bears fruit, Reap it! 
~ Mary Sullivan Georgetown, TX, USA