[美文赏析]
The word, friend, covers a wide range of meanings. It can be a nodding acquaintance, a comrade, a confidant, a partner, a playmate, an intimate colleague, etc.
Everyone needs friendship. No one can sail the ocean of life single-handed. We need help from, and also give help to, others. In modern society, people attach more importance to relations and connections. A man of charisma has many friends. His power lies in his ability to give.
As life is full of strife and conflict, we need friends to support and help us out of difficulties. Our friends give us warnings against danger. Our friends offer us advice with regard to how do deal with various situations. True friends share not only our joys but also our sorrows.
With friendship, life is happy and harmonious. Without friendship, life is sad and unfortunate. I have friends in high positions and friends in the rank and file. Some are rich and in power. Some are relatively poor and without power. Some are like myself, working as a teacher, reading and writing, content with a simple life. We all care for each other, love and help each other. We feel we are happiest when we chat and exchange ideas with one another. With my friends, I know what to treasure, what to tolerate and what to share.
I will never forget my old friends, and Ill keep making new friends. I will not be cold and indifferent to my poor friends, and I will show concern for them, even if it is only a comforting word.
[参考译文]
朋友这个词的意义非常广。朋友可以是点头之交、同志、知已、伙伴、玩伴、亲密的同事等。
每人都需要友谊，无人能一个人在生活的海洋中航行。大家给人以帮助，也需要其他人的帮忙。在现代社会，大家更看重关系和联系。一个有非凡魔力的人有很多朋友，他的力量在于他的奉献能力。
生活充满矛盾和斗争，大家需要朋友的支持，以帮助大家摆脱困境。朋友提醒大家警惕险滩。朋友主动给大家以忠告，告诉大家怎么样应对各种不一样的局势。真的的朋友与大家同甘共苦。
有了友谊，生活幸福、和谐;没友谊，生活变得悲伤、不幸。我有地位高的朋友，也有地位低的朋友;有些有钱有权，有些较穷且无权无势。有些和我一样教书，读读写写，满足于简朴的生活。大家都互有关心，互相爱惜，互相帮助。大家感觉朋友们在一块闲谈交流思想时感到最高兴。对我的朋友们，我了解该珍惜什么，容忍什么，推荐什么。
我决不会忘记老友，同时继续结交新朋友。我对穷朋友绝不冷漠，而是关心他们，就算只不过一句安慰的话。
