Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, FRIENDS, by HENRY DAVID THOREAU


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

FRIENDS, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: Friends -- / they cannot help
Last Line: And look above.
Subject(s): Friendship


Friends --
They cannot help,
They cannot hurt,
Nor in indifference rest,
But when for a host's service girt,
They are a mutual guest.

They are a single power
Plenipotentiary,
No minister of state,
Anxious and wary
Decides their fate.

Where interest's self is
There is no go-between,
But where another reaps,
They do but glean
In scanty heaps.

They have learned well to hate,
And never grant reprieve,
Nor e'er succumb to love,
But sternly grieve,
And look above.





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