Abbie Farwell Brown's "Friends" (Summary)

 

Abbie Farwell Brown's "Friends," portrays nature, particularly the Sky, Wind, and Sun, as sources of solace and comfort for those willing to embrace them.

"Friends" is structured as a four-stanza poem, each stanza consisting of four lines or quatrains. Abbie Farwell Brown maintains a consistent rhyme scheme throughout the poem, following the pattern abab cdcd efef gaga. This deliberate choice in structure complements the straightforward syntax of the poem, lending it a sing-song quality akin to a song or a spoken parable.

 

The poem opens with the speaker finding solace and contentment in nature, relishing both joy and peace. Seeking respite, she retreats to a familiar spot beneath a tree, where she can bask in the protective embrace of the overarching sky. Here, she delights in the gentle caress of sunlight dappling through the foliage, creating intricate lace-like patterns upon her skin.

 

In the latter part of the poem, the speaker describes the subtle arrival of the Wind, which tenderly whispers sweet nothings in her ear, filling her surroundings with its comforting presence. Everywhere around her, the forces of nature stand ready to offer solace and companionship to those in need.

 

 

In the opening stanza, the speaker begins by expressing the simple joy derived from immersing oneself in nature. She emphasizes the pleasure of reclining and gazing upwards through the branches of a tree. Abbie Farwell Brown intentionally keeps these lines straightforward, avoiding grandiose statements about nature's qualities. Instead, Brown aims to evoke a sense of inspiration for readers to embrace the inherent goodness found in the natural world. Notably, the speaker refers to "the tree" rather than "a tree," suggesting a specific, perhaps personal, location or memory. Continuing, the speaker provides an emotive, personified description of the sky visible through the tree's foliage. Through careful observation, one can perceive the sky as akin to a benevolent, expansive smile. The shift to first-person narrative underscores the speaker's intimate connection to the experience she recounts—a moment she wishes to relive. The sky, depicted as nurturing and protective, bends over her, symbolizing a comforting, parental presence. This imagery directly aligns with the theme of seeking solace and solidarity in nature, as introduced in the preceding discussion.

 

In the second stanza, the speaker delves deeper into her description of the sky, moving beyond its mere blue expanse. She introduces the presence of the "Sunshine," which intermittently filters through the intricate "lace" of leaves. Abbie Farwell Brown's choice of the word "lace" enhances the scene's beauty, evoking the intricate patterns one would observe in such a setting. The speaker continues to emphasize the theme of comfort, likening the sporadic warmth of the sunlight on her face to receiving "kisses" from a nurturing figure, symbolized as her "Mother." This imagery evokes feelings of pleasure and security, reminiscent of the innocent joy and affection experienced in childhood. Brown portrays nature in a profoundly positive light, highlighting its capacity to evoke emotions of childlike happiness and contentment that may feel elusive in adulthood.

 

In Third Stanza , the speaker shifts her focus to another natural force at play in the sky above her: the Wind. Just like "Sunshine" and "sky," the Wind is capitalized, reinforcing Brown's persistent personification of these elements as independent entities with agency. The Wind is portrayed as it stealthily moves across the grass surrounding the speaker, almost as if it intends to surprise her with its gentle whispers. Brown's description of this encounter with the Wind is imbued with beauty and sensory imagery, inviting readers to easily envision the scene. The Wind is depicted as communicating with the speaker, sharing "pretty things" in its whispers. Continuing the personification, the speaker describes the Wind as it passes by on "careful wings," suggesting a sense of delicacy and grace in its movements. Despite its quiet presence, the speaker acknowledges its existence, yet she cannot visually perceive its passage.

 

In the final stanza, the speaker depicts the "Wind," "Sky," and "Sunshine" as steadfast companions, referring to them as "gentle Friends." These natural elements are portrayed as reliable presences that offer comfort and solace to those who seek them. While the poem does not explicitly state it, there is a suggestion that these elements represent a greater divine presence, perhaps symbolizing the presence of God. This divine presence is pervasive in nature, always felt even when not visibly apparent. The speaker emphasizes the reassuring nature of these companions, suggesting that their constant presence ensures that "A child should never feel a fear." In this interpretation, these "Friends," embodying the power of God, serve as sources of reassurance and guidance during times of uncertainty or distress.

 

 

The poem's themes are readily discernible due to its simplicity. One prominent theme is the appreciation for nature, depicted through the personification of the benevolent "Sky" and the gentle "kisses" bestowed by leaves. Nature is endowed with agency, suggesting a larger, divine power at play, interacting with the inhabitants of the world.

 

Additionally, the theme of comfort and solidarity emerges as central. The speaker utilizes nature as a metaphor to convey a message of solace to the listener, highlighting the comfort to be found in the fundamental elements of existence. Implicit in these references is the suggestion of an underlying divine presence acting through these natural forces.