IN CONVERSATION WITH THE POEMS
Poems by others, read closely and answered in reflection.
These two wonderful poems, which I particularly love and thought worth sharing with everyone, have been gathering dust in my old files.
The Poetry of Pausing
After reading this poem, I remembered that, like everyone else who struggles to put their phone down to talk to a friend, I looked at my busy schedule and asked whether I am a good friend or just busy. Sometimes all we need is a break from the busyness of our lives, and a brief chat with a friend can refreshingly lighten our load. This poem is a friendly reminder to slow down, connect with others, and make time for the people who matter.
A Time to Talk
—Robert Frost
When a friend calls to me from the road
And slows his horse to a meaning walk,
I don’t stand still and look around
On all the hills I haven’t hoed,
And shout from where I am, What is it?
No, not as there is a time to talk.
I thrust my hoe in the mellow ground,
Blade-end up and five feet tall,
And plod: I go up to the stone wall
For a friendly visit.
About the Author:
Robert Frost was America’s most celebrated poet, earning four Pulitzer Prizes and serving as Consultant in Poetry to the Library of Congress from 1958 to 1959. His most famous poem, “The Road Not Taken”, explores the theme of choice.
The Poetry of Keeping the Gold and Collecting Silver
There is something magical about sharing history with someone, and a sheer joy in discovering a new connection. This poem is meaningful to me because I treasure my friendships and always welcome new ones. Old friends share our memories and life experiences, while new friends bring fresh energy and opportunities to connect. The poem celebrates the value of friendship in all its forms.
New Friends and Old Friends
—Joseph Parry
Make new friends, but keep the old;
Those are silver, these are gold.
New-made friendships, like new wine,
Age will mellow and refine.
Friendships that have stood the test-
Time and change- are surely best;
Brow may wrinkle, hair grow gray;
Friendship never knows decay.
For ‘mid old friends, tried and true,
Once more we our youth renew.
But old friends, alas! may die;
New friends must their place supply.
Cherish friendship in your breast-
New is good, but old is best;
Make new friends, but keep the old;
Those are silver, these are gold
About the Author:
Joseph Parry was a Welsh musician and composer.The poem “New Friends and Old Friends” was written in the early 1890s, dedicated to his friends in Wales and Pennsylvania.
Till next time.
Cheers!
References
Ambrose, G. P. (1959). PARRY, JOSEPH (1841 – 1903), musician. Dictionary of Welsh Biography. Retrieved June 26, 2026, from https://biography.wales/article/s-PARR-JOS-1841
Poem: New friends and old friends by Joseph Parry. (n.d.). Poetry Nook. Retrieved June 26, 2026, from https://www.poetrynook.com/poem/new-friends-and-old-friends
Powell. (n.d.). How old is song/poem that begins “Make new friends, but keep the old, one is silver and the other gold?”. reddit.com. https://www.reddit.com/user/ResolveSweet3391/
Robert Frost. (2014, February 4). Poets.org. Retrieved June 26, 2026, from https://poets.org/poet/robert-frost
A time to talk by Robert Frost. (n.d.). All Poetry – The world’s largest poetry site : All Poetry. Retrieved June 26, 2026, from https://allpoetry.com/A-Time-To-Talk
ninagracia.com 