A friend

A friend is one who stands to share Your every touch of grief and care He comes by chance, but stays by choice Your praises he is quick to voice No grievous fault or passing whim Can make an enemy of him And though your need be great or small His strength is yours throughout it all No matter where your path may turn Your welfare is his chief concern No matter what your dream may be He prays your triumph soon to see There is no wish your tongue can tell But what it is your friend's as well The life of him who has a friend Is double-guarded to the end.