And friends are blessings from above.

But one who loves them more than I

Calls, “Come up hither,” from on high;

Then joyfully they soar away,

And leave me lonely here to stay.

Yet, when they leave me, well they know

That I, from whose embrace they go,

With swifter steps will travel on

To where my dearest friends have gone.

So, smiling as they take their flight