Joseph T. Renaldi (Frackville, Pennsylvania)

Out in the world where a handshake is stronger,
Out where a smile is genuine and lingers longer,
There is where friendships begin.

Out in the world that seems to be brighter,
Where words that are spoken are a bit mightier,
Where the bonds of companionship are tighter,
There is where friendships begin.

Out where the people are always kind to you,
Out where their hospitality is constantly in view,
There is where friendships begin.

Out where kindhearted people are not dickering,
Where there is haughty laughter still flickering,
Where there is more cooperation and less bickering,
There is where friendships begin.

Out in the world that is still awakening,
Where fewer hearts in despair are aching,
There is where friendships begin.

Where there is more of praise and less of whining,
Where cordiality is present and no thoughts of fighting
And a person makes acquaintances without half trying,
There is where friendships begin.