RL+Friendship

All three poems that I selected share a similar theme of exploring human relationships. Both in the life's journey of the individual and the individual's connection to others, the idea of the importance of friendship is expressed within each poem. Each poem expresses this theme in different ways. In "A Friend Like You" the author clearly and directly states the importance of friendships in life. In "A Time to Talk", Robert Frost is more indirect in the manner in which the idea of friendship is expressed. Even though it is less direct, the idea is no less powerful. The relationship of the author to his expressed neighbor in the poem is understood deeply because of the descriptive language used in reference to the author's work on the land. In "The Heart of a Friend", Longfellow writes even more indirectly. His words are much more symbolic than literal. The symbolism expressed by the arrow shot into the air and the song sung into the air speak more about the author's life and his efforts to understand meaning from these efforts. The connection of these symbolic life's efforts to human relationships, in particular friendship, are deeply held as expressed in the poem.

The poem that effected me the most is "The Heart of a Friend" by H. W. Longfellow. This poem speaks about the author's life and all that happens in life's journey. We do not know our destiny but strive to achieve happiness in life and in doing so we make connections with all of those whom we encounter. This poem effected me because it demonstrates the importance of always working to benefit yourself and others, never knowing where those efforts might bring you. It is in those efforts and achievements that life's true meaning is found.