To All My Friends

'There's nothing worth the wear of winning
But laughter and the love of friends.'
--Hilaire Belloc.

If those who have been kind to me
Should ever chance these rhymes to see;
Then let them know, upon the spot,
Their kindnesses are not forgot!

If any worthy task was done,
The acts were never mine, not one:
For parent, teacher, wife or friend
Inspired the will, foresaw the end.

What sorrows do our friends avert!
How loyal, far beyond desert!
And yet how churlish, dumb and crude
Are all our words of gratitude.

Then O remember, you and YOU,
My old familiars, leal and true--
The love that bonded you and me
Is not forgot, will never be!