Friends Are Always A Part of You
After a while you learn
what you really are
is all the experiences
and all the thoughts
you've ever had
and all the people
who have touched your life,
no matter how briefly.
After a while you learn
that troubles are temporary
and relationships
aren't always permanent.
You learn that many people
come into your life
and fade into forgetfulness,
while others remain
as warm places in your heart.
You learn to forgive the bad times
and overcome the resentments.
And you learn to live
with love in your heart
for the good times
and for the good friends
who may not be present,
but who never go away,
because the warmth of their friendship
and their essence lives within you
and becomes a part of what
you are.
-Winifred Stewart Brown