Old Friends

To have a warm and a faithful friend who cheers in an adverse hour Is the gift you never wish offend to inherit life's great dower

Daughter Aris and friends

Old friends are the best of treasures

they say the kindest things of us

Amidst rebuke they bring pleasures

our deepest thoughts they will discuss

 

We look to them for a gracious tongue

they guard dear our own dignity

Upon shoulders hopes and fears hung

that boost our own ability

 

To have a warm and faithful friend

who cheers in the adverse hour

Is that you never wish offend

to inherit life's great dower

 

To some I think I am a pain

but most my friends don't seem to mind

They know it is because I am vain

though to them I am always kind

 

We all have little faults it seems

may they not be large in measure

My friends are those which make the dreams

not a struggle but a pleasure

 

Author's Note

I have always been exceptionally grateful for the few friends I could count on one hand.They are the ones that renew my faith and give my life dignity. The picture is of my daughter and two friends.Two with whom she is still friends. She is in her 4th year of college with Emily her room mate pictured in the back.

Reviews

[Zeek4]

I also hold on to old friends and now they are old in reality. One of them goes back 60 years. Beat that one Tate. I loved your poem and the sentiments it described. You have the knack.

[Alexis]

I really enjoyed reading this poem. I was thinking of two specific friends at the time. You really captured what a true friend is like and what it's like to have one! Friends are always great to have. I don't know where I'd be without them! Great poem!

[Derek S.Keck]

This is such an outstanding, up beat poem! I really enjoyed it. You really capture the heart of what makes a true friend. Thoose few rare people who accept us for who we are and we love and accept in return. Awesome poem!

[Valentine]

Sp ;pve;y amd your comment is also so true..To have a few true friends in a lifetime is granted to only those who are faithful friends themselves..Luckily, being from a family of 9 kids, we all were extremely close..Kathie

[Treo LeGigeo]

Wow, this is lovely. You see so many poems about love and lovers, but friendship is just as important, if not more so since lovers can come and go but a true friend is a friend for life. This poem flows wonderfully and in a great salute to the importance of friendship. Great work.

[Ashley]

aww this is sooo cute. i do love my friends, there is a pretty saying, "A friend is someone who reaches for your hand, but touches your heart."

[Cliff Rhodes]

"Is that you never wish offend
to inherit life's great dower"

Is that you never wish to offend
and inherit life's great dower.

I like the great ideas you have in this writing. I think I might change this one little place. Don't know if it changes the meaning or not, still it is thought provoking.

[emmajoy]

'My friends are those which make the dreams ~ not a struggle but a pleasure ' - wonderful lines, those. The feelings and thoughts in your poem are so accurate, Tate, and the photo of young Aris and her friends is just beautiful. This poem is like a tribute to all friends everywhere, you've worded it so sensitively .. as always.
I'm lucky enough to have quite a few friends, many going back to pre-primary school, life just wouldn't be the same without them .. hand on heart .. .. Made a happy handful of good friends in here too, just have to find the ones who don't play games but stick - and care.

[ice]

"To have a warm and a faithful friend
who cheers in the adverse hour
Is that you never wish offend
to inherit life's great dower"

I feel that Longfellow had his hand on your shoulder when you wrote this Tate.
Funny, I met an old friend just the other day, hadn't seen him in a year, and we picked right up where we left off last time..I have known him for 40 years.
This poem, made me think of him, and all the time that has past , in that knowing..
Thanks for the poem.
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