For Jim

There is the family by blood, There is the family of choice. The one a work of nature, The other born of the valued voice, The manner and the measure Of the long trusted friend; From whose welcome wit we gather our souls' true treasure: Our conduct's guide, our action's end. Our friends define the best of ourselves, Bringing all our gifts to light. Sharing cares and joys alike They complete our days and soothe our nights With their banter and their familiar ways. They serve us as the living mirror To our improvement through our numbered days, Through the act grow ever dearer. No friends match the oldest, Those who know and love us best. These are the ones whose truths are boldest, Whose honest vision stands the test When we would fain dissemble to ourselves; Who make us see what most needs seeing, Whose faith in us undaunted delves Within our depths, intent on freeing That inner self we were born to share, That common spirit that resides somewhere. Though we grow old and older still Youth's boundless strength can never fade From out the bounds of common will Our shared experience has made. Let us then spend our hours in close companionship However best we may, my dear comrade, Reflecting one another as the hours slip In sharing all we have, and had.