Ode to friends

I was all alone one day 
Sitting under the Friendship tree 
I looked up at the sky 
And saw a fleet of birds 
It was then I knew I was missing something 

The birds were flying in unity 
Undisturbed by the howling wind of gossip
They kept moving forward 
Together never leaving another behind 
They were flying in union, never breaking ranks
The Ivy plant came to my mind 
It was then I knew I was missing something 
 
I sat wondering under the tree
I felt a warm breeze pass over me 
A feeling of comfort rushed within me 
Tickling me, I heard laughter from a far 
Kids my age were playing 
What a sight, I thought to myself 
It was then that I realized I was missing 
The lapis lazuli, often known as the friendship stone     
 
I was searching for one not realizing 
That there were so many in front of me all the time
I searched everywhere and not a spot was left 
I was tired of searching and
When I was going to quit, I heard a voice 
It was rare to hear 
 
I turned to see it was a little girl 
She was crying because her ice cream fell  
Tears rolled down her checks like crystal beads 
With a smile I went to her and gave her a few 
Coins to get another ice cream 
In return I got hugs and kisses from that little girl 
But what pleased me more is the fact that 
She called me her best friend
 
It was then I realized that I had 
The lapis lazuli and
I was missing a friend to share it with 
Friends are precious stones, 
They must always be taken care of with love  
Losing a friend is easy but getting one is hard 
 
For the one who will be with you throughout,
Never break rank and
Stay undisturbed by the howling wind of gossip
Never leave another behind
This is a true friend 
So treasure your friend
For losing one is easier than finding a true friend.
 
E. Kanivarasi
Grade 10 Gandhi Memorial International School Jakarta


http://www.thejakartapost.com/youthspeak/6/7/ode-friends.html