True Friendship Poems

These poems express the meaning of friendship and remind us that a true friend is one who is to be cherished. Let these true friendship poems remind you of what it means to be in a true friendship.

As you read the verses and poems think of your friendships - who are the people in your life that have demonstrated the meaning of friendship. Then think of yourself, do you measure up as a true friend?

a true friend never gets in your way unless you happen to be going down

Updated July 8, 2026, by Catherine Pulsifer.

True Friendship

Poet: W. J. Slater

Lovingly, sorrowing, oft do we sigh,
When the shadows of life bring tears to the eye,
For one whose friendship, like Moses of old,
Was given in love, not bought with gold.

Singing and dying, without any care,
Friendship is like a bird in the air,
It flutters and flies, in summer it comes,
In winter is gone, leaves desolate homes.

Like the flower that blooms in early spring,
It fades away and leaves a sting
In the heart of one, who just then
Needs Friendship's hand, to help him win.

Like the shooting star at early morn,
As it flies through space, and is lost in gloom,
Friendship is offered where none need its hand,
Flies off at a tangent when its in demand.

Like the sun in the heavens its dazzling light
Is gone when the storm is at its height,
Friendship is found in days that are bright
But pales when clouded with want and blight.

Like the moon in its path through a starry sky,
It sinks away as morning draws nigh,
Friendship is found where plenty reigns
But lost when crossing poverty's plains.

But while at times the sun is dim,
The moon it pales, the stars not seen,
God willed it so, and He commands
That Friendship shall extend its hands.

True Friend

Your friendship means so much,
And this I must explain.
You helped me through tough times,
And I hope I've done the same.

You are there when I call,
No matter what the reason.
If I need you, you'd be right over,
No matter what the season.

A true friend indeed you are,
Someone I can always trust.
You listen to my whine's,
And always have time to discuss.

I hope you can say the same,
That I've been a good friend to you.
One thing is for sure, my friend,
I'll always stay true to you.

A True Friend Is One ...

A true friend is one who cares
Friends like this are so rare
No matter what happens to you
They pick you up when you are blue.

A true friend is one who shares
No one else can compare
They are always willing, always there
They always give love and show care.

A true friend is one indeed
Who wants to see you succeed
They help you up when you are down
They make you laugh acting like a clown.

A true friend is one who acts
By their actions your life it does impact
You never find them overreact
They just stick to the facts.

A true friend lends a helping hand
They always listen and understand
Give thanks for your true friend
To them, appreciation do send!

We have so many things to be thankful in life, friendship is one of those blessings. Read our collection of be thankful poems to remind you to count your blessings for your friends and for all the blessings that you have.

The Obligation Of Friendship

Poet: Edgar A. Guest

You ought to be fine for the sake of the folks
Who think you are fine.
If others have faith in you doubly you're bound
To stick to the line.
It's not only on you that dishonor descends:
You can't hurt yourself without hurting your friends.

You ought to be true for the sake of the folks
Who believe you are true.
You never should stoop to a deed that your friends
Think you wouldn't do.
If you're false to yourself, be the blemish but small,
You have injured your friends; you've been false to them all.

For friendship, my boy, is a bond between men
That is founded on truth:
It believes in the best of the ones that it loves,
Whether old man or youth;
And the stern rule it lays down for me and for you
Is to be what our friends think we are, through and through.

A Friend

Poet: Unknown

He who befriends in time of need
A true friend shall be called indeed;
For then is man most sure to find
Professions of his friends but wind.

Untrue, they mock his sorry plight,
And from his shadow take their flight,
Alone, in doubt, despair, he sits.
Till Heaven's blessing round him flits.

A friend he finds when most in need,
A heart that o'er his woe doth bleed;
He, doubting, grasps the proffered hand
And finds its strength meets each demand.

Friendship Of The Good And True

Poet: Edgar A. Guest

You can buy, if you've got money, all you need to drink and eat,
You can pay for bread and honey, and can keep your palate sweet.
But when trouble comes to fret you, and when sorrow comes your way,
For the gentle hand of friendship that you need you cannot pay.

You can buy with gold and silver things you've got to have to wear,
You can purchase all that's needful, when your skies are bright and fair;
But when clouds begin to gather and when trouble rules the day
Your money doesn't lure a friend worth while to come your way.

For the hand that's warm and gripping and the heart's that tender, too.
Are what all men living sigh for when they're sorrowful and blue.
For there's nothing that's so soothing and so comforting right then
As the gladly given friendship of a fellow's fellow men.

A hand upon your shoulder and a whispered word of cheer
Are the things that keep you going when your trouble time is here;
And you'll hate the gold you've gathered and the buildings that you own
If you have to bear your troubles and your sorrows all alone.

If you've served a golden idol you will get as your reward
All the luxuries of living that the coins of gold afford.
But you'll be the poorest mortal and the saddest in the end
When the clouds of trouble gather - and you're hungry for a friend.

The friendship of the good and true
Is more to me than gold, And while I welcome one that's new
I'll treasure well the old; Old friends are like the goodly tree
Whose leafy branches throw A grateful shelter over me
When adverse winds may blow!

Key Reflections On True Friendship

True friends remain during difficult times. Anyone can celebrate with us when life is going well, but loyal friends stand beside us through challenges and offer encouragement when we need it most.
Friendship is built on trust. Lasting friendships grow through honesty, kindness, and keeping our promises. Trust is earned through consistent actions over time.
Be the friend you hope to find. Friendship is not only about receiving support. It is also about listening, encouraging, forgiving, and being there for others.
Express your appreciation. A simple thank you, a thoughtful message, or spending time together reminds friends how much they mean to us. Never assume they already know.
True friendship is one of life's greatest blessings. Good friends enrich our lives with laughter, comfort, wisdom, and hope. Their influence often lasts for many years.

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Conclusion

Never take true friendship for granted. Cherish and appreciate the people who stand beside you through life's joys and challenges. We may know many people throughout our lives, but genuine friendship is both rare and precious.

True friends encourage us when we feel discouraged, celebrate our successes without jealousy, and remain faithful during difficult times. May these true friendship poems remind you to value those special people, strengthen the friendships you already have, and be the kind of friend who brings kindness, loyalty, and encouragement to others.

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