I'd like to be the sort of friend     

that you have been to me;

I'd like to be the help that you've been     

always glad to be;

I'd like to mean as much to you     

each minute of the day

As you have meant, old friend of mine,     

to me along the way.

I'd like to do the big things     

and the splendid things for you,

To brush the gray out of your skies     

and leave them only blue;

I'd like to say the kindly things     

that I so oft have heard,

And feel that I could rouse your soul     

the way that mine you've stirred.

I'd like to give back the joy     

that you have given me,

Yet that were wishing you a need     

I hope will never be;

I'd like to make you feel     

as rich as I, who travel on

Undaunted in the darkest hours     

with you to lean upon.

I'm wishing at this Christmas time     

that I could but repay

A portion of the gladness     

that you've strewn along the way;

And could I have one wish this year,     

this only would it be:

I'd like to be the sort of friend     

that you have been to me.

Edgar A. Guest. “A Friend's Greeting.” Family Friend Poems

DrPaul