A Friend Poem by Ted Middleton

I've a hankering for a mate
Someone close I can relate
For I tire the demands that some will make
There's a void I hope to fill
For a friend who fits the bill
A person with some essence - not a fake

I am not the type demanding
Or aggressive postured standing
But I'm tired of those pretending they're a friend
They're a dime a dozen bleating
They're your mate whenever meeting
But they're not the ones on who you can depend

And despite all past illusion
I have come to the conclusion
That you cannot judge yourself - it's up to others
For a man in his own mind
To himself tends to be kind
Some still believe the bouquets from their mothers

Now its not that I'm complaining
Growing kids need lots of training
And a young bloke thinks he knows it all, its true
But too many lacked attention
At the time of needed mention
And dont know right from wrong - or what to do

Though its not on first occasion
You can judge a mans persuasion
Yet the first impression indicates his leaning
Its a quality to treasure
And indeed a basic pleasure
To come across a person who's well meaning

It's suffice for me to mention
That I give my full attention
To a person who can see the others side
If you think this out of fashion
I'm afraid I have no passion
For someone who it seems has got no pride

So to finish this great raving
Of the friend for whom I'm craving
And to end this little ditty with a twist
I've been told I'm out of touch
From a friend - I want too much
And the values that I seek now, don't exist