A Friend

To an athlete, “a friend is a balancing pole that enables us to walk the tightrope of life without falling.”

To a physician, “a friend may be likened to a soft bandage and a soothing ointment for the cuts and bruises of life.”

To a botanist, “a friend is a vine that clings to us and hides the discrepancies and rough places of life.” The florist added: “Yes, and the greater the ruin, the closer a friend clings.”

To a mourner, “a friend is one who comes in when the whole world goes out.”