Classic and Contemporary Poetry
THE INALIENABLE BOND, by LUCY LARCOM Poet's Biography First Line: What is the best a friend can be Last Line: Speak softlier the dear name of god. Variant Title(s): God's Best Gift Subject(s): Friendship; God | ||||||||
WHAT is the best a friend can be To any soul, to you or me? Not only shelter, comfort, rest, Inmost refreshment unexpressed; Not only a beloved guide To thread life's labyrinth at our side, Or with love's torch lead on before; -- Though these be much, there yet is more. The best friend is an atmosphere Warm with all inspirations dear, Wherein we breathe the large, free breath Of life that has no taint of death. Our friend is an unconscious part Of every true beat of our heart; A strength, a growth, whence we derive God's health, that keeps the world alive. The best friend is horizon, too, Lifting unseen things into view, And widening every petty claim Till lost in some sublimer aim; Blending all barriers in the great Infinities that round us wait. Friendship is an eternity Where soul with soul walks, heavenly free. Can friend lose friend? Believe it not! The tissue whereof life is wrought, Weaving the separate into one, Nor end hath, nor beginning; spun From subtle threads of destiny, Finer than thought of man can see. God takes not back his gifts divine; While thy soul lives, thy friend is thine. If but one friend has crossed thy way, Once only, in thy mortal day; If only once life's best surprise Has opened on thy human eyes, -- Ingrate thou wert, indeed, if thou Didst not in that rare presence bow, And on earth's holy ground, unshod, Speak softlier the dear name of God. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...THE MOUNTAIN IS STRIPPED by DAVID IGNATOW AS CLOSE AS BREATHING by MARK JARMAN UNHOLY SONNET 1 by MARK JARMAN UNHOLY SONNET 13 by MARK JARMAN BIRTH-DUES by ROBINSON JEFFERS THE SILENT SHEPHERDS by ROBINSON JEFFERS GOING TO THE HORSE FLATS by ROBINSON JEFFERS |
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