<Author>Michael</Author>
<Topic>Friends</Topic>
<Source></Source>
<Nationality>USA</Nationality>
During World War I, the British poet Wilfred Owens penned the expression: "I am the enemy you killed, my friend." When wars end, former enemies may become friends at a later time. Let us think about friendships that have developed among young Germans and other Europeans, against whom Germany fought in both World War I and II, or among Japanese and Americans or Chinese against whom they fought in World War II. Russians and Americans, or Russians and Chinese, or Indians and Pakistani, or Iranians and Iraqi who have all been enemies at one time.
When we are more beyond the differences which divide us, we may find that we have much in common, and in fact may develop deep friendships. As far as I can remember, I have never hated anyone, but there are some people with whom I would not particularly wish to be friends. I might be friendly, but friendship is much stronger a bond than mere acquaintances can provide each other. In China, I have sought to make as many friends as possible, especially among my young students, and I expect that some of these friendships will last a very long time, even when we are no longer together. Even if the precise friendships do not last over time, the memories of these friendships will remain always in my heart.
Real friends, of course, are not easy to find. Few of us have dozens of "best friends." Husbands and wives, parents and children, and relatives are often also best friends. Then, beyond these groups, there is a small circle of really close friends. When we meet such close friends, we should cherish them, and keep them close to us always, if possible. In the song, "Day Is Done" we see the words, "Tell me why you are crying my son? Will it help if I stay very near? I am here. "Friends are always "here" for their best and closest friends, even if time and space separate them for long periods.
