Some are life-long friends
Who have stood beside me
During good times and bad,
Lifting me when I’m down
Cheering for me when I succeed,
And encouraging me along.

They are among my most
Cherished possessions,
For I am who I am in part
Because of them.

Other friends have come
Into my life more recently,
But they are good friends
As if they always have been.

Then there are those of whom
I have crossed paths with but once;
Yet there was a connection,
As if we had been friends before.
And perhaps our paths will cross
Again in the next life.

But then there are those who
Only pretend to be a friend,
As long as they can use you
Until there is no more to take.
Beware of such and walk away.

I even have friends I have never met,
And others I haven’t seen in years,
Or their time upon this earth is over.

Some of my friends are much younger—
I could be their father
Or even their grandfather.

Friendship knows no place,
Friendship knows no time,
Friendship knows no age.

It has been said that the same sociality
Which exists among us here will exist
Among us in the world to come,
Only it will be coupled with eternal glory
Which we do not now enjoy.
I believe it to be true and I long
To gather again with my Friends
Under such joyous conditions.