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Old And New
Read Old And New by Ella Wheeler Wilcox, an inspiring poem about friendship, love, and the importance of welcoming new beginnings in life.
We often treasure the people and memories from years gone by, and rightly so. Old friendships, familiar places, and happy memories can bring us much joy. But sometimes we become so attached to the past that we forget to appreciate the new opportunities life brings.
In her poem Old And New, Ella Wheeler Wilcox reminds us that while the past has its place, the present also deserves our attention. New friendships, new experiences, and new ways of looking at life can bring happiness we may never have expected.
As you read these verses, think about the people who have made a difference in your life, both old and new. You may also enjoy our collection of Friendship Poems, which celebrate the special relationships that encourage and support us.
Updated October 8, 2026, by Catherine Pulsifer.
Old And New
by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
Long have the poets vaunted, in their lays,
Old times, old loves, old friendship, and old wine
Why should the old monopolise all praise?
Then let the new claim mine.
Give me strong new friends, when the old prove weak,
Or fail me in my darkest hour of need;
Why perish with the ship that springs a leak,
Or lean upon a reed?
Give me new love, warm, palpitating, sweet,
When all the grace and beauty leaves the old;
When like a rose it withers at my feet,
Or like a hearth grows cold.
Give me new times, bright with a prosperous cheer,
In place of old, tear-blotted, burdened days;
I hold a sunlit present far more dear,
And worthy of my praise.
When the old creeds are threadbare, and worn through,
And all too narrow for the broadening soul,
Give me the fine, firm texture of the new,
Fair, beautiful and whole.
Key Reflections In This Poem
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Welcome New Friendships
Old friends hold a special place in our hearts, but new friendships can also bring happiness and support. The people we meet along the way may become some of our greatest blessings.
-
Do Not Let the Past Hold You Back
Memories are important, but we cannot live in yesterday. The poem encourages us to appreciate what we have learned while remaining open to what lies ahead.
-
Look Forward With Hope
Life brings changes, and not all of them are easy. Yet new experiences and opportunities can bring unexpected joy when we are willing to welcome them.
Popular Pages
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Conclusion
Ella Wheeler Wilcox's poem Old And New reminds us that there is a place in our hearts for both the past and the future. We can be thankful for old friendships and cherished memories without closing the door to new people and experiences.
Life is always changing, and sometimes those changes bring blessings we never expected. May this poem encourage you to hold on to the good memories, learn from the difficult ones, and welcome each new day with hope. There may still be wonderful friendships and happy moments waiting just ahead.
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