POETRY: FIRST PLACE
Giving
John W. White
My friend once spoke to me
With words that made me wonder
“I’d like to give you something” said he
“But I don’t know what it need be.”
I hesitated to gather thoughts and wonder
Then from my heart these words
Flowed out “You have so much
So much that you can share with me
Give me your sunny smile
Come sit with me a while
Give me your warm, fi rm handshake
A bond of friendship it can make
Give me conversation that stimulates
Conversation, not gossip or complaints
But ideas worth debate.
“Walk with me awhile, side by side
Matching step by stride
Not marching ahead
Nor lag behind
Please to my weaknesses be blind
To my mistakes and foibles
Take no heed.
“Give me a hug of brotherly love
Help me wrestle with my doubts
Speak calmly when I shout
Out at injustices done by mankind
To others and perhaps we’ll understand
And help me seek the kindness path
Then erase the Cult of More.
“And with this friendship giving
We might help the world
To be a better place to live in.” ●
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