True to the best

Long years of pleasant friendship may be broken
By one hour’s work with thoughtless word or deed,
Yet why forget the thousand good words spoken,
The kindly help which met a passing need?
We do not spurn the sunlight when ’tis hidden;
We look for good when fiercest storms descend.
Then why lose faith, when undeserved, unbidden,
We meet disloyal usage from a friend?

Benjamin Keech