Mates who needs them?

Friends or mates, whatever we like to call them1

are people we really do need.2

Some are really good true friends3

But others only seem to want us when things are going well.4

There are on-line friends, people we have never, and maybe will never meet5

And there are friends who we know well, see in the flesh.6

Both types can hurt us badly, sometimes without even knowing it.7

And I am sure, I have hurt some of my friends too.8

The real friends, the ones who are there for you through thick and thin9

Are worth their weight in gold, 10

They help make you feel alive, raise your spirits when they are low11

Will give you their shoulder to cry on, when the tears start to flow.12

Then there are the friends who decide they don't like you anymore,13

If something doesn't go their way.14

I am sure you have both types of friend, the true real friends, 15

And the ones who I call fair weather friends, 16

Only there when it suits them.17

I have been lucky enough in my life to have a few real, true friends, 18

People who are only a phone call away when I need them19

And they know I am here for them, come hail sun or rain20

And over the last few months, I have met some virtual friends, 21

People I met on the Internet.22

A select few of these friends have a very special place in my heart,23

And even though we have never met, they are real, true friends... Mates!24

I dedicate this piece to them, and say 25

"Thank you for being my friend" you are worth your weights in gold.26