A Friend in Need

[Shelley Hansen]

I was chatting with a friend recently and we remembered with amusement that memorable line in Crocodile Dundee when Sue tells Mick that most of the people she knows are in psycho-therapy, and Mick says, "Why? Don't they have any mates?"

That got me thinking about friendship - mateship - which, if we are privileged to experience it, doubles our joys and halves our sorrows. So often lasting friendships begin with someone just "being there" when needed, and giving the best gift of all - their time and a listening ear.

I wrote this poem quite a while back, before I had really refined my poetry writing skills. So I dug it out, touched up its rough edges, and here it is ... just a rhyming couplet, and apart from the "mateship" philosophy, not strictly fitting the "Aussie" content of bush poetry, I guess. But hopefully its content strikes a chord ...

A FRIEND IN NEED
(c) Shelley Hansen

Sometimes along our pathway through the hills and vales of life
the track may be eroded by some illness, grief, or strife;
and confidence is pitted by the bitter taste of fear,
as doubts like choking fog arise, to cloud a road once clear.

Some friends are quick with sympathy, but aren’t sure what to say;
while others shout supposed “solutions” almost right away.
Some don’t know how to deal with it – and so they draw apart,
not seeing hurt they’re adding to an overburdened heart.

But you are blessed indeed if you can say you've found a friend
who proves to have an inner strength on which you may depend;
who will not think the less of you, or criticize your pain;
who understands that things can’t always be the same again.

A friend who is prepared to give you time to grow and heal –
to rediscover who you are, and how you used to feel;
who guides you through the challenges that once you faced with pride,
and knows, but keeps the secret, that you’re terrified inside.

A friend who sees within your soul the embers of a flame
that you believed were cold and dead, and too late to reclaim;
who carefully rekindles, guards them from the winds of fear,
till slowly, glowing warmth returns to fill your heart with cheer.

Such friends are likened to the “wind beneath the eagle’s wings”;
the “shoulders of a giant” – and a hundred other things.
Your spirits soar to hear in kindness words just right for you.
The proverb says such words are “gold” – and I can vouch, it’s true.

And from my own experience, I’m not ashamed to say
that I’ve received more “golden gifts” than ever I'll repay.
So may I learn to imitate, and be aware of need –
And strive to be a loyal friend - a treasure rare, indeed.

[David Campbell]

A treasure indeed, Shelley...just like the poem, which is a telling reminder of the sort of thing we really must value in life.

Cheers
David

[Shelley Hansen]

Thank you so much David! Yes indeed, we must value our true friends while we still have them.

Cheers Shelley

[Irene]

Beautiful poem and a very good reminder of what it means to be a true friend.
Thanks for sharing.

[Shelley Hansen]

Thank you Irene - so pleased you enjoyed it.

Cheers
Shelley