There were few 
in the early days, 
for I knew not 
how to be a friend.
So instead 
You sent 
teachers 
and 
coaches 
and 
kin 
with just a word 
here and there 
or a smile from the stands 
a hug after the big game 
and that one who held my hand – 
until I learned 
while finding my way to You 
that friends are not for use 
or just for spending the day,
but for trust 
and comfort 
and loyalty 
for laughing 
and listening 
and for being 
and sharing 
in all the feeling – 
then is when I knew 
and felt deep within my heart 
that Your light 
beams the brightest 
in two 
caring as if one – 
that is when 
true 
inspiration 
finally comes.  

*With thanks for the writings and ministry of Paramahansa Yogananda.