"The Friend Who Just Stands By"

The Friend Who Just Stands By

When trouble comes your soul to try
You love the friend who just stands by.
Perhaps there's nothing he can do --
the thing is strictly up to you;
For there are troubles all your own,
And paths the soul must tread alone;
Times when caring cannot smooth the road
Nor friendship lift the heavy load.
But just to know you have a friend
Who will "stand by" until the end,
Whose empathy through all endures,
Whose warm handclasp is always yours --
It helps, someway, to pull you through,
Although there's nothing he can do
And so with fervent heart you cry,
"God bless the friend who just 'stands by'"!

by B.Y. Williams