AG+strife

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/strife

Now knowing the complete definition of the word strife, I can now truly understand the first stanza. It is always good when a person has a close friend that they can talk to whenever in times of stress or strife. Knowing the word strife in the context of the poem I can really understand how important it is to have a close friend that is always there for you.

Yes - I agree. But what does it mean? And you want to avoid repeating your ideas (you stated twice in back to back sentences that you want a friend in times of strife!).