To hold the hand of a friend
Far outweighs the looks
Of even a hundred lovers.

Love shared between true friends,
Those joined by filaments of the soul
Is absolute; its permanent brand
Marks what is truly unconditional.

To find this rare gem, this meeting
Of kindred spirits
Happens not oft enough.
Some spend lifetimes
Without true friends,
Instead they surround themselves
With numerous links to vacant hearts.

In a world filled with this emptiness
I find such delight in finding you.
You epitomize what is genuine,
Honorable and trustworthy.
With you I feel the bond of souls
The meeting of our minds
And the warmth of your touch.

You, my friend, I love
As one can only love
That which is real and true ;
That which is encountered
By only the fewest of few.

I wrote this about a year ago and just rediscovered it. It is dedicated to SWQ of course!