73 A FRIEND's GREETING

By Edgar Guest

I’d like to be the sort of friend that you have

been to me；

I’d like to be the help that you’ve been always

glad to be；

I’d like to mean as much to you each minute

of the day

As you have meant，old friend of mine，to me

along the way．

I’d like to do the big things and the splendid

things for you，

To brush the gray from out your skies and

leave them only blue；

I’d like to say the kindly things that I so oft have heard，

And feel that I could rouse your soul the way

that mine you’ve stirred．

I’d like to give you back the joy that you have

given me，

Yet that were wishing you a need I hope will never be；

I’d like to make you feel as rich as I，who travel on

Undaunted in the darkest hours with you to

lean upon．

I’m wishing at this Christmas time that I could

but repay

A portion of the gladness that you’ve strewn

along my way；

And could I have one wish this year，this only

would it be：

I’d like to be the sort of friend that you have

been to me．