Best Friend Poems

The best friend poems evoke the ideals of true friendship while encapsulating the essence of the relationship in a few carefully chosen words and images. Whether you share them with a great friend or read them alone to reflect on the joys of friendship, this selection of friend poems is sure to contain one mirroring your thoughts and feelings.

1. "Everyone Needs Someone" by Helen Steiner Rice

It can be so easy to pull away from those around us, and Helen Steiner Rice reminds us of the importance of accepting the outstretched hand of friendship.

2. "On Friendship" from The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran

In his best lyrical language, poet Kahlil Gibran discribes everything a friend can be along with what each individual should bring to the relationship.

3. "The Giving Tree" by Shel Silverstein

Presented by a master of children's poetry, this bittersweet verse details the self-sacrifice inherent in friendship, and the contentment one can feel from simply being able to provide support to a friend.

4. "Around the Corner" by Charles Hanson Towne

This poem has often been passed around in email forwards and photocopied handouts. It warns against the dangers of letting a friendship fade away, and how quickly time can take its toll.

5. "Thank You Friend" by Grace Noll Crowell

Like many friend poems, "Thank You Friend" reflects on the blessings the poet has received from her friendship. No matter what you take away from each visit with a friend, you can certainly appreciate the message.

6. "Moco Limping" by David Nava Monreal

When you're talking about the best friend poems, don't forget about man's best friend. The speaker of the poem may have originally wished for a fine canine specimen by his side, but he finds the battered dog who greets him even more appealing.

7. "A Time to Talk" by Robert Frost

Frost reminds readers that no matter how busy they may feel, they should always be willing to pause and talk when a friend arrives. It's a sentiment too easily forgotten in the modern world.

8. "Sonnet 30" by William Shakespeare

Shakespeare's thoughts on friendship stand the test of time, as he details how he only has to think of his friend to forget about any troubles.

9. "The Heart of a Friend" by H. W. Longfellow

Longfellow helps readers realize how often we can find our own joy reflect in "The Heart of a Friend."

10. "Glory of Friendship" by Ralph Waldo Emerson

Emerson reflects on the most valuable assets of friendship. Whether you agree with his final conclusion or not, it certainly provides food for thought.