Understanding Friendship Through Poetry: What Are Some Poems About Friendship?
Key takeaways
- Poetry can offer different perspectives on friendship and help individuals express their appreciation for the friends in their lives.
- Friendship can improve mental health and emotional well-being.
- Online therapy may help people communicate their feelings in friendships and navigate interpersonal concerns.
Poets like Robert Frost, Khalil Gibran, Maya Angelou, and Naomi Shihab Nye have explored the meaning and power of friendship through poetry. Spanning different styles, time periods, and themes, these poems can give a unique view into the nature of true friendship. In reading these and other poems about friendship, you may gain a deeper appreciation for the friends in your life and see the value of friendship from a new perspective. If you realize that you want to develop deeper friendships and would like support in the process, meeting with a qualified therapist can help.
What can you learn about close connections through friendship poems?
Friendships can have an enormous influence on the trajectory and quality of a person’s life. A large body of research has demonstrated that close friendships offer significant benefits for physical and mental health. However, data points and ordinary language may not always capture the full impact, intensity, and depth of emotion involved in meaningful friendships. This is where art comes in.
Exploring friendship through the lens of poetry
When ordinary language falls short, poetry can offer a powerful window into the nature and value of friendship. Through beautiful language and strong imagery, a great poem may paint a more vivid picture of the full depth and impact of a close friend.
Finding friendship poems that speak to you
As with other forms of art, different poems may speak to different people. There are numerous impactful poems about friendship, whether you are looking for a reflection on the enduring love of a best friend or a celebration of the ways friendships change lives. Below, find an assortment of poems that offer different perspectives on friendship. It may be helpful to keep in mind that, if none of these resonate with you, there are many more to explore.
What is a beautiful poem about the importance of friendship?
One well-known poem highlighting the importance of friendship is “On Friendship” by Khalil Gibran. This poem explores the purpose of friendship and emphasizes the importance of finding joy in the little moments, such as when people laugh together. Below is a brief excerpt:
“And in the sweetness of friendship let there be laughter, and sharing of pleasures.
For in the dew of little things the heart finds its morning and is refreshed.”
What is a sweet poem about talking with friends?
In the popular poem “A Time to Talk,” Robert Frost highlights the importance of making time to talk with friends. This poem can serve as a reminder to make time for friends, to answer when they call, and to never forget or overlook how much they matter. Below is a brief excerpt:
“I thrust my hoe in the mellow ground,
Blade-end up and five feet tall,
And plod: I go up to the stone wall
For a friendly visit.”
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What are other powerful poems about friendship?
Many powerful poems explore the idea of friendship. Below are a few more examples.
“Alone” by Maya Angelou: A beautiful poem on the need for connection
Another famous poem on friendship is “Alone” by Maya Angelou. The poem highlights how much people need each other to survive in the world, underscoring the vital role connection plays in a person’s life.
“Filter” by Suma Subramaniam: A powerful poem on friendship bridging differences
The poem “Filter” by Suma Subramaniam reflects on the importance of looking beyond differences and preconceived notions of others. It highlights how friendships can bridge these divides and bring people together.
“To All My Friends” by Hauntie: A sweet poem on the loyalty of friends
In the poem “To All My Friends” by Hauntie (May Yang), the emphasis is on showing thanks for the friends who have been there through the ups and downs of modern life, including in times of sadness, hardship, and tears. In doing so, these friends allow individuals to emerge strong, remain calm, and pursue their dreams.
Other inspiring poems about friendship
The poems included so far are just the beginning. For even more inspiring poems about friendship, you may consider the following:
- “Us Two” by A.A. Milne
- "Red Brocade" by Naomi Shihab Nye
- “The Soul Unto Itself" by Emily Dickinson
Beyond poetry, where can you turn for further support with friendships?
If you are looking for additional support in understanding friendships and hope to build stronger connections in your life, meeting with a therapist in person or online may help. In therapy, you can work on a range of concerns and goals. For instance, you might:
- Develop stronger social skills and healthier ways to navigate conflict
- Learn how to form new bonds and strengthen existing bonds
- Discover strategies to manage mental health symptoms that may be interfering with relationships
Find the right therapist for your relationship.
Would you like to begin therapy as a couple?
Can online therapy support friendships?
Research shows that online interventions can be effective for friendship concerns, so you can choose the setting that works best for you. In most cases, online and in-person therapy use the same evidence-based therapeutic modalities.
If you have a busy schedule in which you must balance responsibilities and make time for friends, online therapy may be a convenient option. Attending sessions from home can eliminate the need to commute and remove barriers to professional support.
Takeaway
What did Emily Dickinson say about friendship?
Emily Dickinson once said, “My friends are my estate.” Another Emily Dickinson quote about friendship is, “My only sketch, profile, of Heaven is a large blue sky, and larger than the biggest I have seen in June - and in it are my friends - every one of them.”
more appreciation for your friends
Bob Marley said, “True friends are like stars; you can only recognize them when it's dark around you.” This quote expresses how true friends are there for each other during challenging times, not just during the fun parts of life.
more appreciation for your friends
“Wild Geese” is often noted as one of Mary Oliver’s most famous poems, which discusses the healing powers of the natural world. “The Swan” is another well-known poem by Oliver.
What is the heart-touching line for a best friend?
There are many heart-touching lines you can share with your best friend.
- “Friends are the family we choose for ourselves.” – Edna Buchanan
- “Friendships between women, as any woman will tell you, are built of a thousand small kindnesses… swapped back and forth and over again.” – Michelle Obama
- “Remember that life’s most valuable antiques are dear old friends.” – H. Jackson Brown, Jr.
How do you write a heartfelt friendship message?
You can write a heartfelt friendship message by expressing your appreciation for your friend and the beauty of your friendship. You can also include friendship quotes like this one from Oprah Winfrey: “Lots of people want to ride with you in the limo, but what you want is someone who will take the bus with you when the limo breaks down.”
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