Friendship is a theme that has inspired poets throughout history, resonating deeply with the human experience. From the intimacy of companionship to the trials and joys that come with being a friend, the beauty of friendship has been celebrated in many forms. In this article, we explore twelve great poems that highlight different aspects of friendship. Through their timeless words, these poets have encapsulated the essence of camaraderie, trust, loyalty, and mutual respect.
The 12 Great Poems About Being Friends in History
1. “A Friendship” by Emily Dickinson
Emily Dickinson’s work often explores the internal landscapes of the soul, and in “A Friendship,” she delves into the profound and sometimes intangible nature of friendship. Dickinson’s poem examines how a friend can be a source of comfort, even when they are far away.
“I had no time to hate, because
The grave would hinder me,
And life was not so ample I
Could finish enmity.”
In this poem, Dickinson conveys the idea that true friendship transcends time and space. The lines reflect her belief that a strong friendship makes all other negative emotions irrelevant, as love and companionship are more vital. The poem’s concise nature highlights how friendship can be both a refuge and a transformative force in one’s life.
2. “The Poem of Friendship” by Kahlil Gibran
Kahlil Gibran, the Lebanese-American poet, is best known for his work The Prophet, and his thoughts on friendship are no exception. In “The Poem of Friendship,” Gibran emphasizes the beauty of balance between closeness and distance in a friendship.
“Your friend is your needs answered.
He is your field which you sow with love
And reap with thanksgiving.”
Gibran reflects on the reciprocal nature of friendship, describing it as a relationship where both parties give and receive in equal measure. He highlights that a friend is not just a companion but a source of wisdom and growth. Gibran emphasizes the idea of mutual support, where both the giver and the receiver grow together, sowing love and reaping gratitude.
3. “A Poison Tree” by William Blake
William Blake’s “A Poison Tree” is a darker take on the theme of friendship, examining how suppressed anger can distort a relationship. Although it’s often viewed as a cautionary tale, the poem provides valuable insight into the breakdown of a friendship through unspoken resentment.
“I was angry with my friend:
I told my wrath, my wrath did end.
I was angry with my foe:
I told it not, my wrath did grow.”
Blake’s poem is a metaphorical exploration of how unexpressed emotions can corrupt a friendship. The decision to keep anger hidden and not address the issues results in a growing “tree” of bitterness, ultimately leading to harm. The poem reminds readers of the necessity of open communication in relationships and the destructive consequences of ignoring conflicts.
4. “Friendship” by Ralph Waldo Emerson
Emerson, a leading figure in American Transcendentalism, writes about friendship as a vital force in the human experience. For him, friendship is more than a casual connection—it is a deep bond that transcends time.
“A friend is a person with whom I may be sincere.
Before him I may think aloud.
I am arrived at the full stop of my thought.”
In this passage, Emerson speaks to the transparency and honesty that true friends offer one another. Friendship, for Emerson, is a space where one can be fully oneself, free from pretense. It’s a relationship built on understanding, where both parties provide each other with a safe haven to express their innermost thoughts. This sense of openness and vulnerability is at the core of Emerson’s view of friendship.
5. “The Owl and the Pussycat” by Edward Lear
Edward Lear’s “The Owl and the Pussycat” is a whimsical and charming poem that explores friendship in a playful, allegorical manner. Though the poem focuses on two unlikely companions—an owl and a pussycat—it touches upon the idea that true friends support each other despite differences.
“The owl and the pussycat went to sea
In a beautiful pea green boat,
They took some honey, and plenty of money,
Wrapped up in a five-pound note.”
Lear’s lighthearted poem is often enjoyed by children, but it subtly reflects the importance of loyalty and support in friendships. The owl and pussycat, despite their differing nature, embark on an adventure together, showcasing the idea that friends are partners in exploration and that companionship is a source of joy and adventure. The playful tone underscores how friendships can bring delight and novelty, regardless of circumstances.
6. “I Would Be the Bird” by Sappho
The ancient Greek poet Sappho is renowned for her poignant expressions of love and companionship. In “I Would Be the Bird,” she offers a glimpse into the more intimate and emotional side of friendship.
“I would be the bird that is at your side,
That sings for you, and sings for me,
To ease your heart and keep it free.”
Sappho’s poem reveals how friendship can be a source of both emotional freedom and support. She imagines herself as a bird that provides comfort and joy, flying alongside her friend. The image of singing together symbolizes the harmony and shared experiences in a true friendship, highlighting how friends uplift and ease one another’s burdens.
7. “Sonnet 30: When to the sessions of sweet silent thought” by William Shakespeare
Shakespeare’s Sonnet 30 is about loss, regret, and the power of friendship to heal wounds. Though it touches on grief, it ultimately affirms the idea that friendship provides solace during difficult times.
“When to the sessions of sweet silent thought
I summon up remembrance of things past,
I sigh the lack of many a thing I sought,
And with old woes new wail my dear time’s waste.”
In this sonnet, Shakespeare meditates on the past, yet it is the thought of a dear friend that brings him comfort and peace. This poem suggests that even in moments of sorrow, the memory of a cherished friend can ease the pain. The act of remembering a friend—whether present or gone—can bring healing and a sense of peace to a wounded heart.
8. “Friendship” by Henry David Thoreau
Thoreau, another prominent figure in American Transcendentalism, speaks of friendship as an essential part of the human experience. In his work Friendship, Thoreau offers a reflection on how friendship nurtures the soul.
“Friendship is an arrangement in which one person is enriched by another’s spirit.
And you only have to live within a friend to appreciate it.”
Thoreau emphasizes that the value of friendship lies not in material wealth but in spiritual enrichment. Friends elevate each other’s minds and hearts, fostering growth and a deeper understanding of life. This connection transcends superficial exchanges, offering mutual enrichment of the soul. Thoreau’s view portrays friendship as an essential aspect of self-actualization.
9. “A Friend” by Gillian Jones
Gillian Jones’ poem “A Friend” is a contemporary reflection on the nature of loyalty and trust in friendships. It underscores the importance of standing by your friends through both joy and hardship.
“A friend is someone who is always there,
No matter the day or time,
To laugh with you, to dry your tears,
To make your heart feel fine.”
Jones’ modern verse captures the essence of unconditional support in friendships. A true friend is someone who stands by you through all seasons of life—good and bad. This poem brings attention to the unconditional aspect of friendship, where joy is shared and burdens are halved. It speaks to the timeless nature of friendship as a mutual commitment to be present for one another.
10. “To My Dear and Loving Husband” by Anne Bradstreet
Though primarily known for her work on love and marriage, Anne Bradstreet’s “To My Dear and Loving Husband” can also be read as a meditation on the deep friendship shared in a marital bond. It exemplifies the friendship between two people who are united in both love and understanding.
“My love is such that Rivers cannot quench,
Nor ought but love from thee give recompence.”
In this poem, Bradstreet speaks of a bond that is so strong it transcends earthly barriers. While this is a love poem, it also illustrates the concept of friendship in a relationship: it is built on mutual respect, understanding, and an enduring connection. The friendship here is one of equality and unshakeable trust, where both individuals provide each other with strength and solace.
11. “Good Friends” by Arthur Guiterman
Arthur Guiterman’s “Good Friends” explores the simple yet profound idea that good friends are treasures, providing a sense of security and loyalty.
“Good friends are like stars,
You don’t always see them,
But you know they’re always there.”
Guiterman’s short but powerful lines encapsulate the concept of enduring friendship. The image of stars in the night sky speaks to the constant and reliable nature of true friendship—sometimes not seen, but always present. It emphasizes that even in moments of distance or silence, a true friend remains a steadfast source of support.
12. “The Invitation” by Oriah Mountain Dreamer
Oriah’s “The Invitation” is an introspective exploration of what it means to truly connect with others on a deep, authentic level. It speaks to the friendship formed through mutual understanding and vulnerability.
“It doesn’t interest me what you do for a living.
I want to know what you ache for,
And if you dare to dream of meeting your heart’s longing.”
Oriah’s poem calls for authenticity in friendships, where both people are willing to show their true selves. It emphasizes the beauty of being vulnerable with a friend, asking not for appearances or accomplishments but for the rawness of inner desires and dreams. This friendship is built on emotional intimacy and mutual respect, forming a deep connection that surpasses superficial exchanges.
Conclusion
Throughout history, poets have captured the essence of friendship in diverse and powerful ways. From the playful tone of Edward Lear’s “The Owl and the Pussycat” to the contemplative reflections in Kahlil Gibran’s “The Poem of Friendship,” these poems offer a wide-ranging exploration of what it means to be a friend. Whether celebrating the joy of shared moments, grappling with the complexities of emotions, or reflecting on the bond of support and loyalty, these poets remind us of the vital role that friendship plays in shaping our lives.
In their words, we find the timeless truth that friendship, in all its forms, enriches our experience of the world, making us better, kinder, and more complete individuals.
