A Tried Friend, A True Friend

By Madison Julius Cawein

Lyric Poem
    A friend for you and a friend for me,     A friend to understand;     To cheer the way and help the day     With heart as well as hand:     With heart as well as hand, my dear,     And share the things we 've planned     A tried friend, a true friend,     A friend to understand!     A friend for you and a friend for me,     A friend to hear our call,     When, wrong or right, we wage the fight     With backs against the wall!     With backs against the wall, my dear,     When hope is like to fall     A tried friend, a true friend,     A friend to hear our call!     A friend for you and a friend for me,     To share with us that day     When our ship comes back and naught we lack     Of all for which men pray!     Of all for which men pray, my dear,     That long has gone astray     A tried friend, a true friend,     To share with us that day!     Oh, side by side, on roads untried,     Two souls may better speed     Than one who goes the road he knows     With none to give him heed!     With none to give him heed, my dear,     And help when there is need     A tried friend, a true friend,     A friend, a friend indeed!

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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 ode to friendship, underscoring its significance in life's trials and triumphs. It weaves a narrative of companionship and mutual support, emphasizing the theme of unity. The tone is endearingly earnest and uplifting, striving to elucidate the myriad ways in which friends can provide solace, encouragement, and joy to each other.

The poem follows a structured rhyme scheme, which contributes to its rhythmic, song-like quality. This musicality serves to enhance its emotional impact and memorability. Repetition is a prominent literary device used here, with the phrases "A friend for you and a friend for me," and "A tried friend, a true friend," recurring throughout the verses. This repetition serves to underscore and reinforce the main theme of the importance of friendship. The imagery of the "roads untried" and the ship returning after a long journey conveys the uncertainties and rewards of life, highlighting the need for companionship in navigating these experiences. This poem is a heartwarming testament to the power of friendship and the solace it brings in life's journey.

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.