I am searching, searching for my friend

Up and down, far and wide have I searched

I am looking, looking for my friend

Where can I find my friend?

I saw a multitude, a multitude of people

Eating, drinking and making merry

Then I saw a hand, a hand stretched out

I held unto it, thinking it was my friend

But lo, it was wood not my friend

I saw a crowd, a crowd of people

Sitting on the floor, mourning and weeping

Then I saw a face, a face like my friend’s

I stretched out my hand to touch

It was a cold statue not my friend

I saw a group, a group of people

Talking, playing and laughing

I heard a voice, a voice like my friend’s

Soft and at the same time strong

It was a clanging cymbal, not my friend

Then I saw a man, standing alone

With arms outstretched and a smile on his face

He beckoned to me with a sweet voice

Ha, I said, here is my friend

Straight I ran into his arms

Oh, but he crushed me into bits

I have gathered myself together

Though not without scars

I am still searching, searching for my friend

Where can I find my friend?