Friendship

Friendship means to give,
But also to take -
Solidarity in joy and sorrow.

Friendship gives hope
And grants happiness as well -
It is assistance in times of loneliness.

Friendship must grow,
You have to cultivate it -
By frankness and honesty.

Friendship means to love
And to be loved -
It depends on mutuality.

Friendship demands
Understanding for the other -
Despite his weak points and fallability.

Friendship does not live on advantage
But on feelings -
On the same thoughts at the same time.

Friendship must hear,
Friendship must see -
The other's happiness, expectation and grief.

To open yourself for the other, to talk to him,
To be ready to simply listen to him.
To hope for the other, to live with him.

To swear him eternal loyalty,
Not to grudge the other something,
Even if you are losing it for yourself.
To love him as he is,
Just because he moves your heart.

Friendship develops in times of gladness,
It stands the test in times of solitude.
And if it is a true and deep friendship,
So it will be invigorated
In times of sorrow.