Ada M. Wright, "The Friend I Love" (1901)
Can soothe my aching heart;
Can wipe the tears of grief away
When sorrow bids them start.
I love a friend whose gentle hand
Removes the bitter cup of grief;
Who binds the wounds he did not make,
And kindly brings relief.
I love a friend whose beaming smile
Is like a ray of light,
To cheer me on my lonely way
Through sorrow's darksome night.
Published in Colored American Magazine, February 1901