My Friends

My Friends are poor!
"Be thankful," I say.
"You need not so much of getting.
Try this – give some away."

My Friends are sad!
"Be happy," I say.
"You are not really lonely.
You merely go astray."

My Friends are angry!
"Be thoughtful," I say.
"You need not criticize,
but rather show the way."

– David Clayton Ellsworth
Written circa 1973
near the most destitue moment of my life