People need people
and friends need friends

   

And we all need love
for a full life depends

 

 

Not on vast riches
or great acclaim,

   

Not on success
or on worldly fame,

 

 

But just in knowing
that someone cares

   

And holds us close
in their thoughts and prayers-

 

 

For only the knowledge
that we're understood

   

Makes everyday living
feel wonderfully good,

 

 

And we rob ourselves
of life's greatest need

   

When we "lock up our hearts"
and fail to heed

 

 

The outstretched hand
reaching to find

   

A kindred spirit
whose heart and mind

 

 

Are lonely and longing
to somehow share

   

Our joys and sorrows
and to make us aware

 

 

That life's completeness
and richness depends

   

On the things we share
with our loved ones and friends.

~By Helen Steiner Rice~