Friends. . . Old Friends

By William Ernest Henley

Lyric Poem
    Friends . . . old friends . . .     One sees how it ends.     A woman looks     Or a man tells lies,     And the pleasant brooks     And the quiet skies,     Ruined with brawling     And caterwauling,     Enchant no more     As they did before.     And so it ends     With friends.     Friends . . . old friends . . .     And what if it ends?     Shall we dare to shirk     What we live to learn?     It has done its work,     It has served its turn;     And, forgive and forget     Or hanker and fret,     We can be no more     As we were before.     When it ends, it ends     With friends.     Friends . . . old friends . . .     So it breaks, so it ends.     There let it rest!     It has fought and won,     And is still the best     That either has done.     Each as he stands     The work of its hands,     Which shall be more     As he was before? . . .     What is it ends     With friends?

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem is a poignant exploration of the dynamics of friendship, particularly as it ages and undergoes change. Each stanza begins with the phrase "Friends... old friends..." which serves as a chorus-like refrain, lending the piece a rhythmic structure that echoes the cyclical nature of relationships. The repetition also emphasizes the poem's focus on the passage of time and how it impacts interpersonal bonds.

The poet employs vivid imagery and metaphors to illustrate the transformation of friendships, such as the "pleasant brooks" and "quiet skies" that become "ruined with brawling and caterwauling." This effectively conveys the sometimes tumultuous nature of friendship, with its inevitable conflicts and disagreements. The theme of acceptance is also prominent, as the speaker suggests that, despite the changes, one must acknowledge the inherent value in these relationships – they have "done its work," "served its turn," and "fought and won." The tone is one of nostalgia and melancholy, yet also of recognition and appreciation for the lessons and experiences that friends provide. Overall, the poem is a profound reflection on the transient, yet enduring and transformative nature of friendship.

Exploring Lyric Poetry

Lyric poetry is a powerful and intimate form of expression, characterized by its focus on the personal emotions and thoughts of the poet. Often musical in nature, lyric poems resonate with readers through their vivid language and rhythmic flow, capturing moments of intense feeling.

Here are some key characteristics that define lyric poetry:

  • Expressive Language: Lyric poems use rich and evocative language to convey deep emotions, often painting a vivid picture of the poet's inner world.
  • Personal Perspective: Typically written in the first person, these poems offer a window into the poet's personal experiences, thoughts, and reflections.
  • Musicality: Lyric poems often feature a rhythmic structure, with meter and rhyme that give them a song-like quality, enhancing the emotional impact.

From ancient odes to contemporary free verse, lyric poetry remains a beloved and enduring form, celebrated for its ability to articulate the nuances of human emotion in a way that resonates deeply with readers.