I have a list of folks I know

All written in a book,

And every now and then,

I go and take a look.

That is when I realize

These names .....they are a part,

Not of the book they're written in

But taken from the heart.

For each name stands for someone who

Has crossed my path sometime,

And in that meeting they've become

The reason and the rhyme.

Although you're not aware

Of any special link,

Just know that you have shaped my life

More than you could think.

So please don't think my greeting

As just a mere routine,

Your name was not forgotten

Somewhere in between

So whether I have known you

For many days or few,

In some ways you have a part

In shaping things I do.

I am but a total

Of many folks I've met,

And you are a friend I would prefer

Never to forget.