Tom Van Arden
Tom Van Arden, my old friend,
Our warm fellowship is one
Far too old to comprehend
Where its bond was first begun:
Mirage-like before my gaze
Gleams a land of other days,
Where two truant boys, astray,
Dream their lazy lives away.
There's a vision, in the guise
Of Midsummer, where the Past
Like a weary beggar lies
In the shadow Time has cast;
And as blends the bloom of trees
With the drowsy hum of bees,
Fragrant thoughts and murmurs blend,
Tom Van Arden, my old friend.
Tom Van Arden, my old friend,
All the pleasures we have known
Thrill me now as I extend
This old hand and grasp your own--
Feeling, in the rude caress,
All affection's tenderness;
Feeling, though the touch be rough,
Our old souls are soft enough.
So we'll make a mellow hour:
Fill your pipe, and taste the wine--
Warp your face, if it be sour,
I can spare a smile from mine;
If it sharpen up your wit,
Let me feel the edge of it--
I have eager ears to lend,
Tom Van Arden, my old friend.
Tom Van Arden, my old friend,
Are we 'lucky dogs,' indeed?
Are we all that we pretend
In the jolly life we lead?--
Bachelors, we must confess,
Boast of 'single blessedness'
To the world, but not alone--
Man's best sorrow is his own!
And the saddest truth is this,--
Life to us has never proved
What we tasted in the kiss
Of the women we have loved:
Vainly we congratulate
Our escape from such a fate
As their lying lips could send,
Tom Van Arden, my old friend!
Tom Van Arden, my old friend,
Hearts, like fruit upon the stem,
Ripen sweetest, I contend,
As the frost falls over them:
Your regard for me to-day
Makes November taste of May,
And through every vein of rhyme
Pours the blood of summer-time.
When our souls are cramped with youth
Happiness seems far away
In the future, while, in truth,
We look back on it to-day
Through our tears, nor dare to boast,--
'Better to have loved and lost!'
Broken hearts are hard to mend,
Tom Van Arden, my old friend.
Tom Van Arden, my old friend,
I grow prosy, and you tire;
Fill the glasses while I bend
To prod up the failing fire. . . .
You are restless:--I presume
There's a dampness in the room.--
Much of warmth our nature begs,
With rheumatics in our legs! . . .
Humph! the legs we used to fling
Limber-jointed in the dance,
When we heard the fiddle ring
Up the curtain of Romance,
And in crowded public halls
Played with hearts like jugglers' balls.--
FEATS OF MOUNTEBANKS, DEPEND!--
Tom Van Arden, my old friend.
Tom Van Arden, my old friend,
Pardon, then, this theme of mine:
While the firelight leaps to lend
Higher color to the wine,--
I propose a health to those
Who have HOMES, and home's repose,
Wife- and child-love without end!
. . . Tom Van Arden, my old friend.
poem by James Whitcomb Riley
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Related quotes
Mary Arden
When a simple English maiden,
Nested warm in Wilmicote,
Sang forth like a lark uprising
Heavenward with its morning note,
Did no English ear that listened,
Even then, foretouched by fame,
Tremble to the prophet-music
Fountain-headed in thy name,
Mary Arden?
And to thee thyself, O tell me!
Shade of Shakespeare’s mother, tell me!
Did no dazzling vision come,
Banishing all thoughts of gloom,
Of the bardic grandeurs waiting
On thy matron fate, when He
Who in time should call thee mother
Should all time’s subjector be,
Mary Arden?
Then a mother we behold thee,
With that babe upon thy breast,
That great nascent soul, so bird-like,
Babbling in its fragrant nest:
O what spirit sweetly human,
O what instincts mildly wise,
Sucked he from those mother-fountains,
Drew he from those mother-eyes,
Mary Arden?
But shall we, now spirit-basking
In the noonblaze of his fame,
Fail to read a sign prophetic
In thy lovely maiden name?
No; it is the star that trembled
O’er a royal poet’s birth;
And amongst immortal Maries,
Second to but one on earth,
Mary Arden!
Glory to thee! Mary Arden!
Shakespeare’s mother! England’s Mary!
poem by Charles Harpur
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The New Enoch
Enoch Arden was an able
Seaman; hear of his mishap
Not in wild mendacious fable,
As 't was told by t' other chap;
For I hold it is a youthful
Indiscretion to tell lies,
And the writer that is truthful
Has the reader that is wise.
Enoch Arden, able seaman,
On an isle was cast away,
And before he was a freeman
Time had touched him up with gray.
Long he searched the fair horizon,
Seated on a mountain top;
Vessel ne'er he set his eyes on
That would undertake to stop.
Seeing that his sight was growing
Dim and dimmer, day by day,
Enoch said he must be going.
So he rose and went away-
Went away and so continued
Till he lost his lonely isle:
Mr. Arden was so sinewed
He could row for many a mile.
Compass he had not, nor sextant,
To direct him o'er the sea:
Ere 't was known that he was extant,
At his widow's home was he.
When he saw the hills and hollows
And the streets he could but know,
He gave utterance as follows
To the sentiments below:
'Blast my tarry toplights! (shiver,
Too, my timbers!) but, I say,
W'at a larruk to diskiver,
I have lost me blessid way!
'W'at, alas, would be my bloomin'
Fate if Philip now I see,
Which I lammed?-or my old 'oman,
Which has frequent basted _me_?'
Scenes of childhood swam around him
At the thought of such a lot:
In a swoon his Annie found him
And conveyed him to her cot.
'T was the very house, the garden,
Where their honeymoon was passed:
'T was the place where Mrs. Arden
Would have mourned him to the last.
Ah, what grief she'd known without him!
Now what tears of joy she shed!
Enoch Arden looked about him:
'Shanghaied!'-that was all he said.
poem by Ambrose Bierce
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Linden Arden Stole The Highlights
Linden arden stole the highlights --
With one hand tied behind his back --
Loved the morning sun, and whiskey
Ran like water in his veins
Loved to go to church on sunday
Even though he was a drinking man
When the boys came to san francisco
They were looking for his life
But he found out where they were drinking
Met them face to face outside
Cleaved their heads off with a hatchet
Lord, he was a drinkin man
And when someone tried to get above him
He just took the law into his own hands
Linden arden stole the highlights
And they put his fingers through the glass
He had heard all those stories many, many times before
And he did not know nor care to ask
And he loved the little children like they were his very own
You say, someday it may get lonely.
Now hes livin, livin with a gun
song performed by by Van Morrison
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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I Have A Friend
I have a friend who cannot walk
I have a friend all he does is talk
I have a friend, Philippe is his name
I have a friend and we are just the same
I have a friend he’s seventeen years old
I have a friend who has a heart of gold
I have a friend who would catch me if I fall
It is only that he has no legs at all
I have a friend and when my friend was seven
A car ran over him and he almost went to heaven
I have a friend with a smile that I adore
I have a friend who lives in a house of four
I have a friend his family is his home
I have a friend who dreams of visiting Rome
I have a friend who is still finishing school
Yet some people tell him that for that he is a fool
I have a friend they say he is disabled
He has no legs and for that he is labeled
I have a friend who has a friend
They were made for each other; their love will never end
I have a friend who likes to name the stars
I have a friend and what he hates is cars
I have a friend who’s happier than you and me
I have a friend who’s shown me how happy I can be
I have a friend who’s had his bad times too
I have a friend who’s better than me and you
I have a friend so dear to me and kind
That another one like him I shall never find!
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
A friend indeed!
I have a friend, a friend in word & a friend indeed.
A friend who loves me with all friends being & I love friend too.
My friend rejuvenates me
A friend of my youth,
A friend indeed!
I have a friend in word, my friend reminds me of my purpose in life
I can exhale with my friend by my side
My friend is good to me
A friend indeed!
When my friend is gone, I miss my friend already
But my friend has gone home because I am home for now
But the truth is our home is in our friendship.
I have a friend, a friend indeed!
My friend in word is my friend indeed and my friend in need.
Friendship is all we need & we have.
I have a friend a friend indeed!
poem by Nandi Mhlongo
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A Friend LikeYou
A friend like you is like no other friend
A friend like you is a friend I don't regret meeting
A friend like you is like a friend I can't scream at or fight with
A friend like you is like having no worries in my life
A friend like you is a friend that I don't want to lose
A friend like you is like being in comfort all day
A friend like you is a friend I always wanted
A friend like you is awesomely awesome
A friend like you is random and funny
A friend like you is a friend that I love to death and I will never let go
A friend like you is a friend I can tell all my secrets to
A friend like you..
A friend like you is like the little sister I've always wanted
A friend that I can go to tell them what's wrong
A friend like you is like having no dark days because you brighten them up
A friend like you is a friend that opens up my eyes and helps me avoid bad things
A friend like you is a type of friend that laughs at dumb things I say or do
A friend like you is a friend I am proud to call my best friend...
poem by Shubham Kumar
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Your Friend A Friend For Lifetime
Acquaintances are many but friends are very rare
For with a true and trusting friend your secrets you can share
Your friend will comfort you and advise you and you will not betray
Your friend will never disown you and as your friend will stay
When others do not wish to know you your friend as your friend remain
And feel lucky in your lifetime if one loyal friend you gain
Your friend will always stand by you no matter come what may
And when you ask your friend for help your friend will not turn you away
No your friend will stand by you when you are feeling down
When others shun you as if you were an outcast of the town
Acquaintances like Nature's Seasons they come to your life and go
But your friend a friend for lifetime and the bond of friendship grow
And the one who betrays your trust could never be your friend
Your friend to you is ever true and one on whom you can depend.
poem by Francis Duggan
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To A Friend..
A friend that is unique
A friend that is one of a kind
A friend that is perfect
A type of friend who is hard to find
A friend that is sweet
A friend that is perpetually fair
A friend that you know
Will always be there
A friend with an amazing spirit
A friend with a striking heart
A friend that is trustworthy
A friend that is smart
A friend that assuages your pain
A friend that can dry your tears
A friend with unrestricted love
A friend that can alleviate your fears
A friend with an exquisite smile
That could never be ignored
A friend that’s never been hurtful
A friend that is easily adored
A friend that is respectful
A friend who is loved by all
A friend that is relied upon
A friend to never let fall
A friend you can talk to
Her compassion is known by a glistening glow
Just by sparking her remarkable light
The whole world will know
What a great and amazing person she is
A friend I shall never forget
She is the greatest ever been known
Best of all the friends I’ve ever met…
poem by Marria Attar
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A Friend Like You
A friend like you is like no other friend
A friend like you is a friend i dont regret meeting
A friend like you is like a friend i cant scream at or fight with
A friend like you is like having no worries in my life
A friend like you is a friend that i dont want to lose
A friend like you is like being in comfort all day
A friend like you is a friend i always wanted
A friend like you is awesomly awesome
A friend like you is random and funny
A friend like you is a friend that i love to death and i will never let go
A friend like you is a friend i can tell all my secrets to
A friend like you..
A friend like you is like the little sister ive always wanted
A friend that i can go to to tell them whats wrong
A friend like you is like having no dark days because you brighten them up
A friend like you is a friend that opens up my eyes and helps me avoid bad things
A friend like you is a type of friend that laughs at dumb things i say or do
A friend like you is a friend i am proud to call my best friend...
poem by Jenni Cortes
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What makes a friend?
A friend
What makes a friend?
A friend
Is someone that everyone needs
A friend
Is that special one
A friend
Is someone you tell EVERYTHING
A friend
Is someone you never lie to
A friend
Can be a boy or a girl
A friend
Is someone that is always their
A friend
Will always listen to you
A friend
Always has input to give
A friend
Will never leave you in the dust
A friend
Will help you through the thick and the thin
A friend
Will always stand by your side
A friend
Will never let you down
A friend
Is someone everyone needs
What would you do if you didnt have a friend?
poem by Ashley Olson
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River (Millie)
Flowing through my life like a river,
you provide that tranquility,
the ever constant path and rhythm.
You are all I could of asked for.
A friend I care for,
a friend I can't love more,
a friend so bright,
a friend sparkling my night.
A friend always there,
a friend who is always fair,
a friend who I respect,
a friend better than all the rest.
A friend I admire,
a friend who I can't tire,
I friend who I trust,
a friend which has no lust.
A friend who will last,
a friend who you can't cast,
a friend who is a treasure,
a friend forever for sure.
As I will try to keep you,
supporting you as I can,
standing by your side in decisions,
trusting you with my eyes closed.
poem by Javier Falcon
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A Real Friend in one's life....
A friend is a tissue when you can't stop crying,
A friend is a shoulder when you feel like dying,
A friend is always there to listen when you have something to say,
A friend is weak when you just need a day,
A friend is a crutch when you have a broken heart,
A friend is a glue when some thing falls a part,
A friend is a phone call when you can't leave your home,
A friend is a when you feel all alone,
A friend is a wing if you want to fly,
A friend is one who understands without knowing why,
A friend is an ear for a secret to tell,
And at last.......
A friend is a love, happiness, care and joy that can never let go in one's life.........
poem by Ralph Acosta
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If You're My Friend
If you are my friend why have you not spoken the words?
If you are my friend why have you turned and walked away?
If you are my friend why have you taken the other side?
If you are my friend why have you insulted me?
If I am your friend treat me with some respect.
If you are my friend then don’t ignore me.
If you are my friend then don’t laugh at my falls.
If you are my friend then don’t humiliate me.
If I am your friend, I can’t be your stupid pet!
If I am your friend show it!
If you’re my friend state it,
With all of the warmth, and meaning
Like a true friend of mine would.
*PLEASE COMMENT AND VOTE ON POEMS*
poem by Wade Blade
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Friends are for Nothing
Hey friend?
Yes friend?
I’ve been meaning to say friend.
What is it friend?
Friend, I’ve been doing a lot of nothing.
Yea, that’s what I’ve been doing too.
It’s so useless friend, the whole time I do nothing.
I just think about what I could do, friend.
Yea I think about who I should be with, friend.
Maybe…
What is it friend?
Maybe we should do nothing together, friend.
Yeah, that actually makes nothing sound like fun.
I feel the same way, friend.
Hey friend?
Yea friend?
Thanks friend.
poem by Martin Byrne
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I Need A Friend
I need a friend for sharing, bearing and forgiving everything
I need a friend for solve my problems
I need a friend for wipe my tears
I need a friend for lay on her shoulder
I need a friend for cheer my way
I need a friend for scold, when i did something bad
I need a friend for go wherever we like
I need a friend for do my homework
I need a friend for playing together
I need a friend for my companion
I need a friend for watching movies
I need a friend for chatting
I need a friend for take a part of my life
I need a friend love eachother
I need a friend for love truly
I need a friend for give my pure love
My friend where are you?
poem by dilstefny DD8
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A Friend With Worries
A friend is like no other friend
A friend is a friend i dont regret meeting
A friend is like a friend i cant scream at or fight with
A friend is like having no worries in my life
A friend is a friend that i dont want to lose
A friend is like being in comfort all day
a friend is the best you ever had
a friend lets you know there secrets
a friend is someone you can trust with anything
a friend is someone that can help you out
a friend is someone with a shoulder to cry on
a friend is someone who helps sort boy troubles ot
a friend is someone who will never let you down
a friend is someone who you can always rely on
poem by Michelle Louise Commons
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Ask Me Who Is The Most Loving
Ask Me Who Is The Most Loving
Its My Best Friend
Ask Me Who Is The Most Caring
Its My Best Friend
Ask Me Who Is The Sweetest
Its My Best Friend
Ask Me Who Is The Most Sober
Its My Best Friend
Ask Me Who Is The Most Simple
Its My Best Friend
Ask Me Who Is The Biggest Hearted
Its My Best Friend
Ask Me Who Is The Most Lovable
Its My Best Friend
Ask Me Who Is The Most Trustworthy
Its My Best Friend
Ask Me Who Is The Most Sensible
Its My Best Friend
Ask Me Who Is The Cutest
Its My Best Friend
Ask Me Who Is The Coolest
Its My Best Friend
Ask Me Who Is Better Than All Friends
Its My Best Friend
Ask Me Who Is My Best Friend
poem by Muhammad Raza Master
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My Unique Friend Thats How We Roll :)
My friend is unique
My friend is one of a kind
My friend is perfect
My friend is someone hard to find
My friend is sweet
My friend is kind
My friend will always be there
My friend could just blow your mind
My friend has such a striking heart
My friend is so trustworthy
My friend he is oh so smart
My friend eased my pain
My friend dried my tears away
My friend that never faces fears
My friend has such an exquisite smile
My friend has the world’s purest heart by a mile
my dear friend thats how we roll
My friend that is best of the best in the entire world
My friend the one I will never forget of all the friends I’ve ever met…
you know who you are told you one day you will be a star as thats what you are :)
poem by Nicky Joyce
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Idea LIII: To the River Ancor
Clear Ancor, on whose silver-sanded shore
My soul-shrin'd saint, my fair Idea lies,
O blessed brook, whose milk-white swans adore
Thy crystal stream, refined by her eyes,
Where sweet myrrh-breathing Zephyr in the spring
Gently distills his nectar-dropping showers,
Where nightingales in Arden sit and sing
Amongst the dainty dew-impearled flowers;
Say thus, fair brook, when thou shalt see thy queen:
Lo, here thy shepherd spent his wand'ring years,
And in these shades, dear nymph, he oft hath been,
And here to thee he sacrific'd his tears.
Fair Arden, thou my Tempe art alone,
And thou, sweet Ancor, art my Helicon.
poem by Michael Drayton
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Hold fast to life and youth.
quote by Elizabeth Arden
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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