The power of friendship traverses generations and cultures alike. Gathered below are 60 poems from inspiring poets, authors, and historical figures that explore the deep truths of intimate companionship. Spanning a range of poetic forms from free verse to formal rhythmic meter, our collection is bound by a common thread: the profound importance and impact of friendship. Share them with your learners as you encourage them to reflect on meaningful relationships in their own lives!
1. “A Time to Talk” by Robert Frost
This poem highlights the importance of making time for friends. Frost uses simple, everyday imagery and a conversational style to convey the theme of friendship’s priority over work.
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2. “Friendship” by Henry David Thoreau
Thoreau uses metaphor and philosophical language to explore friendship as a spiritual connection. His contemplative style invites readers to think deeply about the nature of true friendship.
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3. “Friends Beyond” by William Henry Davies
Davies writes about friends lost over time, employing evocative language and a melancholic tone. The poem is both a tribute to lost friendships and a celebration of memories.
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4. “The Arrow and the Song” by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
Longfellow uses the metaphor of an arrow and a song to explore the far-reaching and enduring impact of friendship. The poem’s rhythmic cadence and uplifting imagery create a warm, positive tone.
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5. “Tug o’ War” by Shel Silverstein
Using his signature humor and whimsical style, Silverstein presents the theme of cooperation among friends. The playful rhyme and rhythm make this a delightful read for children and adults alike.
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6. “The Quarrel” by Maxine Kumin
This poem explores the theme of reconciliation among friends after a quarrel. Kumin’s conversational tone and vivid imagery provide a real-life feel to the narrative.
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7. “My Friend” by Mary Oliver
Oliver uses her nature-themed imagery to depict friendship as a deep and enduring bond. Her poetic style exudes warmth, creating a comforting portrayal of friendship.
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8. “To My Excellent Lucasia, on Our Friendship” by Katherine Philips
Philips explores the theme of deep, platonic love between friends in this poem. Her formal, elegant style and passionate language provide a sense of intimacy.
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9. “Your Catfish Friend” by Richard Brautigan
Brautigan uses the unusual metaphor of a catfish to explore the themes of empathy and support in friendship. His unique style lends a whimsical, surreal quality to the poem.
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10. “A Friend’s Greeting” by Edgar A. Guest
Guest’s poem is a warm, straightforward tribute to friendship, embodying the theme of loyalty and mutual support. His accessible style and traditional rhyme scheme make this a comforting and reassuring read.
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11. “The Pleasures of Friendship” by Stevie Smith
Smith’s poem paints a lively picture of friendship’s joys through energetic rhythm and playful language. Her unique style enhances the light-hearted, joyful theme of the poem.
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12. “The Chances” by Wilfred Owen
This war-themed poem explores friendship under the harsh conditions of the battlefield. Owen’s gritty realism and emotive language create a striking contrast between the horror of war and the warmth of friendship.
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13. “Dear Friend” by Rabindranath Tagore
Tagore beautifully explores the concept of spiritual friendship in his poem. His ethereal language and spiritual undertones present friendship as a divine connection.
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14. “Another Reason Why I Don’t Keep A Gun In The House” by Billy Collins
Collins uses humor and everyday scenarios to explore the theme of friendship with a pet. His casual tone and amusing narrative bring a light-hearted perspective to the concept of companionship.
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15. “On Friendship” by Kahlil Gibran
Gibran’s poem is a philosophical exploration of friendship. His spiritual language and deep insights present friendship as a profound bond that nurtures the soul.
16. “I Should Not Dare to Leave My Friend” by Emily Dickinson
Dickinson explores the theme of loyalty and commitment in friendship. Her unique punctuation and cryptic language add an intriguing layer to the understanding of friendship’s depth.
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17. “A Poison Tree” by William Blake
Blake uses the metaphor of a tree to delve into the negative aspects of friendships. His vivid imagery and simple, rhythmic verse give the poem a nursery-rhyme quality with a dark twist.
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18. “A Bronzeville Mother Loiters In Mississippi. Meanwhile, A Mississippi Mother Burns Bacon” by Gwendolyn Brooks
This deeply moving poem explores a bond of empathy and shared grief between two mothers. Brooks’s intense language and complex narrative convey a powerful message of human connection.
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19. “A Friend” by Gillian Jones
Jones’s poem is a heartfelt appreciation of a friend. Her warm language and simple style convey the comforting presence and irreplaceable value of friendship.
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20. “Requiem” by Robert Louis Stevenson
Stevenson’s poem is a touching tribute to a friend who has passed away. Capturing a mournful tone, his emotive language conveys the depth of his loss.
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21. “On the Death of a Friend” by C.S. Lewis
Lewis uses strong imagery and affecting language to explore the theme of grief over a friend’s death. His honest and moving narrative captures the profound impact of such a loss.
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22. “The Friend” by Marge Piercy
Piercy’s poem explores the role of a friend as a witness to one’s life. Her vivid language and profound insights give a deep understanding of the significance of friendship.
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23. “A Girl’s Garden” by Robert Frost
Frost’s charming narrative tells a story of a friendship formed over a garden. This poem is a captivating read due to Frost’s delightful imagery and conversational style.
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24. “A True Account of Talking to the Sun on Fire Island” by Frank O’Hara
O’Hara’s poem is a playful exploration of a conversation with a friend, the sun. This engaging narrative is shaped by O’Hara’s energetic language and dynamic imagery.
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25. “Friendship After Love” by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
Wilcox explores the transition from romantic love to friendship in this poignant poem. Many who are familiar with the profound emotions involved in such a transition will relate to these rhythmic verses.
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26. “A Ritual to Read to Each Other” by William Stafford
Stafford’s poem is a call to understanding and empathy in friendship. His introspective, thought-provoking insights highlight the importance of open communication and understanding in maintaining relationships.
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27. “Maud” by Alfred Lord Tennyson
Tennyson’s poem is a passionate exploration of friendship evolving into love. His use of intense language and romantic imagery effortlessly create a vivid and emotional narrative.
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28. “Song of the Open Road” by Walt Whitman
Whitman’s poem is a celebration of camaraderie on life’s journey. Through his characteristic expansive language, he gives a sense of the adventure and exploration inherent in friendship.
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29. “The Two Old Bachelors” by Edward Lear
Lear’s humorous poem tells the story of two friends living together. His playful language and whimsical tone make this a delightful, lighthearted read.
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30. “Dreams — Two” by Langston Hughes
Hughes’s poem explores shared dreams between friends. His vivid imagery creates a poignant and reflective tone conveyed through rhythmic verse.
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31. “The Rainy Day” by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
Longfellow’s poem uses a rainy day as a metaphor for hard times while emphasizing the comforting presence of a friend. Rhythmic verses convey a sense of hope and reassurance in this descriptive poem.
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32. “A Dedication to My Wife” by T.S. Eliot
Although written for his wife, Eliot’s poem beautifully captures the deep friendship within their love. The intimate bond of their relationship is revealed in the touching language of Eliot’s introspective lines.
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33. “Sonnet 104” by William Shakespeare
Sonnet 104 by Shakespeare eloquently celebrates steadfast friendship by skilfully using the sun and moon as its metaphors. This celestial relationship transcends the boundaries of time beautifully reflecting the enduring nature of true camaraderie and does so with that Shakespearian poetic finesse!
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34. “Us Two” by A.A. Milne
One of our favorites, this enchanting poem whimsically celebrates the joys of friendship; using beloved characters from the childhood tales of Winnie The Pooh, to paint a charming picture of shared adventures and the delightful simplicity of togetherness. The piece perfectly highlights the magic found in the bonds of true friendship.
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35. “The Power of the Dog” by Rudyard Kipling
Anyone with a furry friend will relate to this poem by Rudyard Kipling in which he beautifully delves into the timeless bond between humans and dogs. This poem heartfully reminds us of the deep connections we forge with these animals!
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36. “Love and Friendship” by Emily Bronte
In this beautiful poem, Bronte masterfully contrasts the nature of “love and friendship” by using the symbolic imagery of the wild rose-briar and holly-tree. This poignant comparison reveals the evolving nature of these relationships over time; offering us readers insight into the intricate and ever-changing dynamics that define them.
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37. “Emblems Of Friendship” by John Imrie
The essence of friendship is brought to life in a heartfelt and tender way in this next piece. Friendship has its symbols and subtle nuances revealed by likening it to different emblems such as a ‘golden band’, ‘a silken cord’, ‘a beacon-light’, and ‘an iron shield’.
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38. “A Friend Or Two” by Wilbur D. Nesbit
There is such richness and depth found in true companionship and we think this poem effortlessly highlights this. It does so by using vivid imagery to capture the joy, shared moments, and support that come with friendship. In turn, it depicts how these emotions inspire us and generally leave a lasting impact on our lives.
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39. “How To Have Friends” by David V Bush
In life we should embrace the joy of connecting with others and “How To Have Friends” really drives this point home. The poem concludes on an encouraging note by urging us to reach out and verbally affirm our intention to be a friend and actively cultivate meaningful connections.
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40. “Be A Friend” by Edgar A. Guest
This heartfelt poem praises friendship’s virtues and nudges us to embrace warmth, lend a hand, overlook others’ imperfections, and savor the immeasurable rewards that come with being a friend. We wholeheartedly agree that all these values are necessary for a healthy friendship!
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41. “My True Friend” by Abimbola T. Alabi
This poem explores the essence of what a true friend really is. Its vivid imagery illustrates reliability, compassion, laughter, encouragement, and unwavering support as essential qualities. Talk about a poem that truly captures the complex and enduring nature of deep friendships with simplicity and depth.
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42. “In Memory of Major Robert Gregory” by W.B.Yeats
This one brings tears to our eyes as it deals with the heavy theme of friendship and loss. Yeats employs the use of poignant images to evoke the memory of the departed Major Robert Gregory; exploring how mortality affects companionship and taking a look at the lasting impressions left on us by those who have passed.
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43. “Auld Lang Syne” by Robert Burns
You may well recognize this one from Christmas carols! In this timeless classic, Burns captures the essence of lasting friendship. The images here are of joining hands, strolls down memory lane, and toasting cherished moments. Together, they weave a tale that echoes the enduring nature of true companionship across time!
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44. “I Carry Your Heart” by E.E. Cummings
“I Carry Your Heart” beautifully expresses how the bonds of friendship linger in the heart and defy physical separation; shedding light on the vital role that friends play in our lives and reminding us to cherish our friends, not just in happiness, but also in moments of sorrow and anger.
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45. “The Road Not Taken” by Robert Frost
While this poem primarily addresses choices and our paths as individuals, it indirectly touches on friendship when the speaker expresses a desire to recount their choice to a friend someday; suggesting the value of shared experiences and perspectives.
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46. “Friendship’s Mystery, To My Dearest Lucasia” by Katherine Philips
“Friendship’s Mystery, To My Dearest Lucasia” conveys the extraordinary and sacred nature of the friendship between the speaker and Lucasia. The use of religious, celestial, and sacrificial imagery elevates their bond to a level of significance that goes beyond conventional relationships.
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47. “To A Distant Friend” by William Wordsworth
Wordsworth uses powerful imagery to evoke the emotional landscape of a friendship strained by distance. The metaphors of withered love, desolate hearts, and forsaken bird’s nests create a vivid and poignant portrayal of the speaker’s longing and emotional distress in the absence of their friend.
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48. “If Anybody’s Friend Be Dead ” by Emily Dickinson
“If Anybody’s Friend Be Dead” reflects on the theme of loss and the poignant memories of a deceased friend. In doing so it explores memory, loss, and the enduring impact of departed loved ones.
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49. “To a Friend” by Amy Lowell
“To a Friend” is a heartfelt exploration of friendship and the speaker’s desire for constancy in the image of a beloved friend. The dream metaphor, musical imagery, and symbols of transience and fragility collectively create a poignant exploration of friendship and the human yearning for constancy in a changing world.
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50. “A Parting Guest” by James Whitcomb Riley
In “A Parting Guest”, James Whitcomb Riley deals with the companionship of Life and Love and conveys the speaker’s gratitude for the positive impact that these companions have had on their life.
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51. “A Birthday” by Christina Rossetti
While primarily focused on romantic love, the poem’s imagery of abundance, celebration, and the heart’s radiant joy can be extended to symbolize the overflowing warmth and gratitude found in cherished friendships.
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52. “A Glimpse” by Walt Whitman
Whitman conveys the beauty found in a quiet moment of friendship amid the noise and chaos of a bar-room; emphasizing the contentment that can be derived from shared companionship, even in the absence of words.
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53. “To A Friend Who Sent Me Some Roses” by John Keats
This poem explores the sensory and emotional impact of encountering both wild and cultivated roses. To do so, a rich tapestry of images is used to enhance the poem’s themes of nature, beauty, and the depth of friendship.
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54. “Friendship IXX” by Khalil Gibran
This poem beautifully explores the multifaceted nature of friendship. The metaphors of fields, boards, firesides, and mountains contribute to a vivid portrayal of the emotional, spiritual, and communal dimensions of a cherished relationship.
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55. “Unkindness,” George Herbert
“Unkindness” deals with the speaker’s reflections on friendship and the reverence owed to God. The poem underscores the profound difference in the speaker’s attitudes and actions toward friends compared to the divine relationship. In doing so, the unique and unparalleled nature of God’s love and sacrifice is emphasized.
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56. “Stanzas To A Friend” by Mary Darby Robinson
“Stanzas To A Friend” beautifully captures the essence of genuine friendship; portraying it as a steadfast source of solace, support, and enduring connection in the ever-changing landscape of life.
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57. “To All My Friends” by Maya Yang
“To All My Friends” recognizes the vital role that friends play in life’s diverse moments and teaches us how to cherish our friends. We should not only cherish our friends in happier times but also in moments of vulnerability, sorrow, and anger.
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58. “To A Friend, With An Unfinished Poem” by Samuel Taylor Coleridge
Sharing his struggles with unfinished poetry, Coleridge finds comfort in his friend Charles to highlight one of the key aspects of friendship; sharing the burdens of life with another. The themes that are most prominent here are friendship, affection, and the ache of personal loss.
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59. “Alone” by Maya Angelou
Human connection is a profound aspect of our existence and in her work “Alone”, Maya Angelou explores this fundamental theme. She persuasively argues against facing life’s challenges alone and calls on us to remember the value of the emotional sustenance and strength that we can derive from our shared experiences with others.
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60. “Love In The Guise Of Friendship” by Robert Burns
Friendship and love are aspirations for many of us and, in this poem, Burns skilfully explores the intersection of these two realms; emphasizing the heartache of romantic love and the lasting purity of true friendship, leaving it up to us to decide which of the two is better.
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