Friendship by Georgia Douglas Johnson
The poem explores the profound loss of a deep and meaningful friendship. It reflects on the rarity and value of such connections, emphasizing their significance in one's life. The speaker expresses sorrow for the friend who has lost this bond, highlighting the emotional void left in its absence. The imagery of a flower's root symbolizes the foundation of friendship, suggesting that once it is severed, the relationship cannot flourish again. The tone conveys a sense of mourning and regret, underscoring the idea that true friendships are essential for emotional well-being. The work delves into themes of loss, the fragility of relationships, and the enduring impact of severed ties. It serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of nurturing friendships and the pain that accompanies their loss.
By Georgia Douglas Johnson · First published 1917 · Genre: Poetry, Lyric, Romanticism · 68 words
First lines
Last night you lost the rarest thing / Life ever gave to you.
It was a friendship that was deep, / Unvarying and true.
I'm sorry that you have it not / Because you need it so; / When one has killed the flower's root / How can it ever grow?
What this Textopian page supports
Friendship is listed on Textopian as a poem by Georgia Douglas Johnson, dated 1917 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Georgia Douglas Johnson
- Date: 1917 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Lyric, Romanticism, Philosophical, Reflective
- Length: 68 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
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- Work identity for Friendship by Georgia Douglas Johnson
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse and employs poetic devices, focusing on emotional expression.
- Lyric — The poem conveys personal feelings and reflections on friendship, characteristic of lyric poetry.
- Romanticism — Themes of deep emotional connections and the beauty of friendship align with Romantic ideals.
- Philosophical — The exploration of the nature of friendship and loss invites philosophical contemplation.
Tags
Poetry · Friendship · Relationships · Emotions · Love · Intimacy · Trust · Loyalty · Companionship · Support · Empathy · Understanding