Friends can easily be gathered up
Like leaves into a barrel
But some will quickly ravel
Like a piece of cheap apparel.

Real friends will let you see them cry
And share their pain with you
Or call you up to just say "hi"
And have a laugh or two.

Loyalty and honesty, so real
They cannot mask it
Brightly colored hearts of love
Weaving through my friendship basket.

Real friends don't melt away
Like a snowman in the sun
That's how you tell the difference
Who will stay and who will run.

Ups and downs and merry-go-rounds
They'll hang in there for the ride
And when they need a shoulder
They're the ones you stand beside.