Where will they be today? Acquaintances are always that way. You meet them once, or more often. Then that friendship seems to soften. You’d swear this time; it would be everlasting, The thought of permanence is not withstanding. All that talks of magical grandeur Soon turns out as tropical fanfare. Whether he or she, or as if you knew her It usually turns out to be verbal manure. This quick meeting of that new fellow Can never replace a true friend, I’ll tell you. We’re lucky to have two or three in our lives. Close friends, as these are hard to find. It’s that one you trust and is truly pure. It is uncorrupted when it comes to you. This true friendship must go both directions. The true test from acquaintances to companions Meet as many as you can see. It may turn out to be that one of three. BY ( JOE PARENTE )