The Kind of Friend I Want to Be
One day I found I had false friends
It broke my heart and I blamed them
But blaming those I couldn’t count on
Taught me nothing and I was wrong
I had the friends I deserved
For true friends I’d be better served
To change myself and become one
To learn to do what must be done
Train my eyes to clearly see
What their eyes are telling me
All the things so hard to say
Keep listening ‘til they find a way
To share their pain, grief and fears,
Hear with my heart not just my ears
Give a loving hug when they need one
When they’re defeated and when they’ve won
Stand with them in life’s hottest fires
Help them achieve what they desire
Then speak my truth while being kind
So they’ll know what’s on my mind
Share my passions, fears, and dreams,
My best laid plans and crazy schemes
I do these things for them and me
To be the friend I want to be
I now have friends both tried and true
Who appreciate the things I do
They’re there for me and me for them
My life is brighter with true friends
–Russ Towne
With Love,
Russ
Russ Towne's A Grateful Man 
Filled with heart and soul, beautiful Russ!
Thank you, My Friend! What a kind thing to say.
Russ
You are most welcome!
I love it! It speaks of a journey that many of us have traveled on.
Thank you, Mrs. P. In my case it is a journey that is unlikely to end while a breath remains in me. I have a lot more learning left to do.
Russ
As do I, Russ. It is that learning that keeps life interesting. The day I think I know it all will be the day I get smacked down hard, life’s cruel way of saying, “Oh, no you don’t.” It a good humbling agent and makes me a better student. 😉
I know the feeling!
You know the truth of friendship Russ. I looked forward to this and knew it would feel good.
Thank you, Colleen. It is good to hear such things from you.
Russ
Be what you want others to be for you. Love it Russ! ❤
Diana xo
Thank you for your kind comment, Diana! I’m glad you love it.
Russ xo
A very beautiful poem and one that rhymes so nicely. A wonderful performance!
I’m delighted by your comment, OldenGray. Thank you!
Russ
I don’t know if you knew this RussTowne but there is a duck flying upside down on your main page. I ordered a copy to see if in fact I was simply reading it the wrong way. These computers can be daffy like that. I’ll get back to you once I figure it out! :o)
LOL! Thank you, OldenGray. I love the expressions on the faces of the other ducks who are flying near him on one of the inner pages. Someone who bought the book for their child told me that every time they read it to him the child would see the upside down duck on the cover, interrupt and say, “Daddy! You’re reading the book upside down!”
Russ
Priceless! I wonder if he ever got is dad turned around :o)
Alan
Wonderful poem and a super message. Yes so true! Love it!
Thank you for your kind comment, My Friend!
Russ
you understand the real meaning of life, russ. and so well said.
That’s a wonderful thing to say, Beth. Thank you!
Russ
this poem like playing with word and have worthy message, great… 🙂
Thank you for taking the time to comment, Viladev.
Russ
Love this because it is SO TRUE! You need to be a friend to have one and only those friendships that are a give and take are worthy of having!!
Thank you for your feedback and kind comment! May you always feel welcome here.
Russ
Reblogged this on Poet's Corner.
Russ,
Another great one!
Kevin
Thank you, Kevin! I appreciate you taking the time to say so.
Russ
Well said !!
Nice poem and thoughts … Loved reading this .
Thank you for your kind worse and for taking the time to comment. May you always feel welcome here.
Russ