FRIENDSHIP IN SICKNESS

Holding hands along life’s way
As you skip and dance with glee,
Sharing joy and laughter all day long
Life is as wonderful as can be.

Running through dewy glades,
Eyes bright, each footfall so light,
Health and exuberance fill the body
With the pure joy of living aright.

Then like a thief comes sickness,
Uninvited into life and limb,
Dulling eyes with pain and hurt,
Making everything dark within.

Yet if your companion is right there
With a tender smile to see you through,
If a supporting hand is held with care,
Even the darkest day is not so blue.

A simple little kindly act, love in the eyes,
A little prayer for comfort on pale lips,
Always there beside you, holding up
A weary head, giving water in refreshing sips.

I thank my Lord above for a companion sweet,
Who is there beside me each need to meet,
Sometimes when abounding in health,
Or like now when really sick, he’s there for me.

I see the suffering in his eyes, he feels my pain,
I see the worried looks he cannot hide,
But soon we’ll walk hand in hand again,
Share the joys of health together side by side.

M Ann Margetson April 4 1999 ©