Around the corner I have a friend,
In this great city that has no end,
Yet the days go by and weeks rush on,
And before I know it, a year is gone.
And I never see my old friends face,
For life is a swift and terrible race,
He knows I like him just as well,
As in the days when I rang his bell.
And he rang mine but we were younger then,
And now we are busy, tired men.
Tired of playing a foolish game,
Tired of trying to make a name.
"Tomorrow" I say! "I will call on Jim
Just to show that I'm thinking of him",
But tomorrow comes and tomorrow goes,
And distance between us grows and grows.
Around the corner, yet miles away,
"Here's a telegram sir," "Jim died today."
And that's what we get and deserve in the end.
Around the corner, a vanished friend.
Around The Corner by Charles Hanson Towne • 108 poems by Charles Hanson TowneEdit
Poetry Classics
← Back to top 100 poetry classics
Our poetry classics archive is reproduced for educational purposes by volunteers, and is provided at no charge. Some poems are public domain, but many are the property of their respective owners. DMCA
- by Charles Hanson Towne • 108 poems
-
x 0,
4947
views,
11 comments,
23 lines,
print
- Add to my list
Charles Hanson Towne (1877-1949), was an author, poet, editor, and popular New York celebrity. He moved from Kentucky to New York City with his family at the age of three. Towne began his literary career quite early as the eleven year old “publisher” of the Unique Monthly, a children's magazine written by and for Towne and his friends. After a year at City College, Towne got his first break as an editorial assistant at Cosmopolitan magazine. In 1901 he moved to the Smart Set, a new magazine for a sophisticated urban clientele, where he held numerous positions before becoming editor in 1904. Smart Set was the first of the many important magazines Towne was to edit, includi
In lists
- Bookmarks - netopirka / 25 >>
- Bookmarks - Yvette Champ / 174 >>
- Bookmarks - XFaLLen-StarX / 8 >>
- Bookmarks - atasteofbliss / 57 >>
- Bookmarks - jeremylogan / 35 >>
- Bookmarks - richi / 460 >>
← All by Charles Hanson Towne →
By Charles Hanson Towne, © 1899, All rights reserved.
→ Show additional poem info
this original poem by Charles Hanson Towne is beautiful with the thought of "tomorrow" and "friendship"
"after hours inspirational stories" on "around the corner", from "Jim" to "Jane" with inspirational love meanings and beautifully said
my husband Jim received the version from "after hours inspirational stories" from a female friend from a high school reunion - this was inappropriate
Rate this comment
Perelman. Love.
I just found out that a dear friend of mine died yesterday and it conjured up memories of this wonderful poem. I first read this poem at my grandparent's home about 50 years ago and loved it. I think of the poem often, especially when I think of friends I should have kept in touch with.
My favorite
From guest Mansoor (contact)
In my life this is ap poem which attract me towards the English pöetry and literature.I was read ths poeam 3 year ago by a sms .I misplce my cell in which it was save but today I found it ,feeling very happy and dedicated to my special one whom I can never ever forget.unforgettable
From guest Carol (contact)
My dad gave me a copy of this poem, many many years ago, and I never ever forgot it, or the principle it set33 yrs of loving this poem
From guest Pamela Federici-Howell (contact)
When I was 14 I bought a book of poetry at a yard sale. Since then I've bought this book new for a dozen friends because it meant so much. This is the very first poem in it. A few days ago a friend who lived close by was brutally murdered and she was 37. How could I know that suddenly the "tomorrow" when I thought I would see her would never come to be. After reading this poem, just call ONE person who means something to you but you just don't get around to calling. It may be the last time you are able tothis life
From guest taran (contact)
my best friend since i was 6 died a year ago today and this hits hope cryed and cryed. . . Reminder. . .
From guest Lixion (contact)
Reminds me of my friend who died falling down the stairs just as i was knocking on her door...kisses and brazes
From guest alex (contact)
ALFREDO QUE DIFICIL SE PUSO EL MUNDO. FUIMOS Y SOMOS TESTIGOS DIARIOS DE ACONTECIMIENTOS UNICOS- A VOS TE ENSEÑARON DE CHICO QUE ERA UN TSUNAMI..... HOY DEBEMOS ENTENDERLO Y COMPRENDER UNA SOCIEDAD HIPOCRITA QUE A PESAR QUE GHADAFFI, ESTA MATANDO A MILES DE PERSONAS, EN NINGUNA PARTE DEL MUNDO HAY UNA REACCIÓN, NI EN LA DERECHA . NI EN LA IZQUIERDA, NI EN LOS OBREROS, NI EN LOS INTELECTUALERS, NI EN LA UN, NI EN NINGUNA PARTE. Ahora, eso si. Si Israel se defien d en GAZA y mata a unárabe que puso una bomba en BERSHEBA......todos se conmueven.......Love the poem
From guest Diana (contact)
For whatever reason I suddenedly remembered this poem. I too learned it when I was a child in the 1960's. Thank God for the Internetmany, many years ago, as a young girl I read this in one of many books my great-grandfather had at our camp. I was probably 12 yrs, in 1962, and this poem touched my heart. Today I am 60 yrs. and just decided to find it again and here it is. The comput
From guest Pam (contact)
- From guest Bill (contact)
I too remember the poem from elementary school. In fact, it is the only poem that I can recite the words to. Not sure why it has always stayed with me, but probably for the same reasons as all of you. - From guest L . Moulton (contact)
From guest L. Moulton (contact) About 45 years ago, in a airport terminal, an elderly gentleman came to where my husband and I were seated. Smiling he handled a little card to my husband, and left. My husband handled it to me and I read it. At the foot of the poem was a name and address from someone in Los Angeles. I did not know the meaning! That gentleman probably thought it was worthy to keep in touch with this man with a cowboy hat ( my husband, a real cowboy, a shy, decent man) I kept the poem. My husband recently passed away and I thought: " How lonely sometimes we are... and we need a friend" - From guest Joan Trivane (contact)
this poem was told to me by my father in law some years ago and it really hit home for me, and since I heard it I tried harder than ever to keep in touch with my friends. However, in October my husband of 43 years passed away and this means more to me than ever. I am planning to enclose of copy of it in all of the thank you notes that I will be sending to all his friends who did'nt keep in touch until he died. It's a sad testimony to our society today that we are all too busy to take the time to call and say hi to and old buddy. Around the Corner -poem
From guest CeCe (contact)
I recited this poem as part of a competition to do our Jr High School graduation speech some 40 years ago. It was included in a very old book titled "Poems of the Heart" which belonged to my grandmother. The last thing my Mom said was, don't loose that book! Well, after the recital (and yes, I won), I was so emotional that I walked away and left it on the podium. I've always wondered where that book ended up...and so did my Mom. To this day, I remember this poem and it's always good running across it again on line. R Zimmerman...yes, you are correct.- From guest Crista (contact)
Loved this poem when I was younger- I remember reciting it in a poetry contest when I was in 4th grade (didn't make it to the school competition, oh well
). Anyways, I'm glad I got the urge to look it up again. It's a wonderful poem. 
Around the Corner - poem
From guest Robert F. Zimmerman (contact)
I remember reciting this poem in class when I was in the First grade, some 70 years ago, but had forgotten some of the lines. So I looked it up on Google and am happy to read it again. At my age of 77 it has even greater meaning for me now and I am surprised I was so captured by it at the age of 7. (As I recall it I read it in a book called "Poems that Touch the Heart" compiled by A.L. Alexander of Mediation Board fame- From guest allan (contact)
I read read this poem when i was still in elementary, i dont really recall why or where or was it on one of my english text books i dont remember the only thing i remembered was the first line of the poem and it's meaningful message, coz today i was arguing with my friend and i told him it seems that we're living in a poem and there it is Around the corner! - From guest Rick (contact)
A colleague of mine casually forwarded this to poem to me just like any other forwarded mails , believe me I don't read poems and all , but this one stuck my heart, by the time I read with the last line, tears rolled down and u won't believe I cried the whole night , cos i have a friend with whom i was emotionally connected and knowing unknowingly we were playing the same game like the poems says hurting each other ,so from thattime i made it sure that my friend shouldn’t get hurt in anyway, but alas like they say life is a bitch , I guess my friend didn't read this poem ,moved away from me the veryday a offer came telling to me never to be in touch .This is 4 years back till now im not able to get over it ,still thinks everyday the time i spent with the person ,smile sometimes cries most of the times, hoping that oneday we will cross our path again. Around the corner I have a friend,
From guest Jerry Gilbert (contact)
About 45 years ago I saw this poem stuck in a window on a side street in Montreal, Canada. I copied it and have carried it with me since,and have used it successfully as I believe in the words and have done my best not to make that mistake. What a wonderful and meaningful poem Jerry Gilbert Toronto, Ontario CanadaAvinash Bugti Pakistan
From guest Avinash (contact)
When i first received this poem as an SMS i really cried a lot.Since then i am sending this poem to everyone i know and have not met for years .awesome
From guest stacey ayers (contact)
my old baby sitter/friend reminded me that my mom had this hanging in our den when i was 6,now 38.this now has sad but true meaning.- From guest KRISHNA (contact)
THERE ARE FRIENDS WHO WE WISH THAT THEY SHOULD BE HAPPY AND LIVE A BEAUTIFUL LIFE AND THERE WILL BE SOME FRIENDS WHO WILL BE THINKING THE SAME FOR US AND THOSE FRIENDS WILL BE NONE OTHER THAN WHOM YOU THINK - From guest amol wanave (contact)
it was d best poem i've ever read in last 20 years No words to be spoken
From guest Dipak Kumar Panda (contact)
Sir, the poem is an amazing piece of literature which has touched my heart. I read it not once or twice rather more that 10 times. Hats off to that great poet. My heartly respect to him. (Dipak Kumar Panda)sad poem
From guest amalia landrum (contact)
a friend read this at my dads memorial. they had been friends for 50 years. it was the saddest thing i ever heard. my dads name was jim it was quite a coincidence, we shouldnt take our loved ones for granted we never know if we will see them again...Around The Corner
From guest Dave Brauns (contact)
I experienced this very sad event. My best friend from college lived only a few miles away, but I never made time to do more than exchange Christmas Cards with him each Christmas. One year, I didn't get a card back...and was puzzled. Perhaps in mid-January, I got a letter from his wife, saying that he had died in August. I didn't even know that he was sick...and was in tears. For years afterward, I had this poem framed and in my office. In addition, I have psssed it on to many as a constant life reminder.- From guest Fonkop (contact)
My mother memorized this poem while drying dishes as a young girl. It was a framed piece on their living room wall, on loan from a gentleman off in the military. She told the story how she would carry the dish into the living room and read a line. Then collect the next dish and so on. As she became a member of working society she provided public speaking skills for the company with whom whe was employeed. She often times used this poem as her closing of a meeting. She truly believed the lines of this poem and kept them close to her heart. Rest in Peace mom. 7-24-34 to 8-23-2010 We won't forget you. A friend
From guest Joseph H. Dannenmaier, (contact)
I read the poem yesterday and called an old friend, the oldest I could recall. Try it and recommend it.Alas....
From guest Roohshad (contact)
My grandma gave me this poem when I was a little boy, it was right around the time my grandpa passed away, we're talking about 15 odd years ago... strangely, I've remembered it since, more or less, and I have strived never to be that Jim's friend. The day before, Aunty Amy, my kinder garden teacher and a superb human being passed away, one of the oldest memories I have from childhood, and its a shame I didnt get to take those portraits of her that I wanted to do for so long.... So this is to you oh dear Mrs Saher, an apology for being so caught up in this foolish game!- From guest Naomi Kyaw (contact)
My DAD had a book of Poems when i was a kid and this was the first poem in the book! I NEVER read past it! I LOVED it and at the same time it overwhelmed me with Great saddness because I knew there was ALOT of TRUTH to it! I lost the Book some time ago and with age comes failing memory as I had once memorized the entire poem. I THANK-YOU for this printing!!!!! I truly believed this poem was lost to me forever. Again- THANK-YOU! Convicting
From guest Patsy Danec (contact)
A poignant reminder of the brevity of life and the importance of friends.sad but true
From guest Vikas (contact)
Reality personified. It teaches all a lesson. Pure brilliance to which we can all relate to.
Pure.
From guest Diwaker (contact)
Pure. That is what I thought. Lines that you can feel, relate to. Lines which keep echoing in the back of your mind. Brilliant.Around the Corner
From guest Sarah Smith (contact)
This is such a great poem I love it! I'm going to get more people to read this website!wow!!!
From guest sadie (contact)
that is amazing i love its the best song ive herd good job i love itwow!!!
From guest sadie (contact)
i love that and im 11 that is amazing i love it im a hige fan love it love who ever wrote it- This is a beautiful poem and highlights the plain truth that we tend to forget to call on our friends. We are busy making a living, a name for ourselves, or just too tired to make the effort. A sad indictment on our society, but oh! so true.
Around The Corner
From guest Julie (contact)
Such a beautiful poem and so very true. I've lost three friends in the past week - and this poem came to mind. Thank you for aharing it. I also write poetry, at www.writing.com/countrymom.I made a song put of this poem abput 5 or 6 years ago cause I loved it so much.
From guest Liam (contact)
Im not a professional or anything, this was just recorded on an old I-mac with free software. http: //files.dmusic.com/62164521.c8c59aaa2bf1e005c72dab1ff31fce00/music/w/a/warmgun/9_Around_The_Corner.mp3inspiring
From guest gina (contact)
it is just like me and my old friend but i don't know who will die
Life Changing
From guest Pat (contact)
This poem always spurs me to action. I want to be better and "do it today."- From guest James T. Snow (contact)
Friends abandon each other for one thing or another. That's sad, but it's also part of the human conditon. Life is tragic for many. Quite desperation is not only the English way. Ciao. - excellence!! awesome
- Life is full of regrets, full of apologies, full of plain ordinary crap. If you have a friend just round the corner, in the next town or just on the internet, don't pass an opportunity to have a chat, it may be your last chance.
"Around the Corner" by C H Towne
From guest Vicki Kamps (contact)
This poem was sent to my father by a dear friend many years (1940's?) and hung on a wall in my childhood home throughout the 1960's. I've never forgotten it, but I still need to be reminded of its message regularly. Time flies by very quickly, and friendships are a precious gift which should not be neglected!Favorite Poem
From guest John from Memphis, TN (contact)
I ran across this poem in 1957 while I was searching for something to read publically for a college public speaking course. The poem has stayed with me for over 50 years. It is still my favorite, and 'reflects what life has taught me during those 50+ years. I make sure I go to my school reunions and speak to old friends and acquaintences before time, distance and circumstance rob me of that chance.Search ended
From guest Val Incoll (contact)
My Father could only ever remember the first 2 lines of this poem that he saw when he returned from the war. He quoted these lines his whole life and regretted he was unable to remember the entire verse. It meant so much to him, that on his 80th birthday, unable to find this poem anywhere, I started off with the first 2 lines and wrote the rest myself in honour of my Father. This is my poem, inspired by the first two lines of this wonderful verse that I have now located at last. Around the corner I have a friend, In a city that has no end, A friend whom I've shared both joy and sorrow, A friend whom I've promised I'll visit tomorrow, But tomorrow's demands bring no time for my friend, And I promise myself to make time next weekend, But the weekend goes by then the months and the years, And I think of my friend through eyes full of tears, My friend whose kind face and most gracious of ways, Who had often been my strength through many tough days, Was reaching out to me now and I felt the weight of my age, As I read his name out loud, from the Obituary Page, This kind, generous friend, who lived not far away, Who wanted nothing more than a small part of my day, But in this city, that has no end, There had not been time to waste on my friend, And now I contemplate with increasing sorrow, The hours that will remain empty with every tomorrow, As my thoughts evaluate what nothing else can transcend, The gift of time that you give a friend. Thank you to Charles Hanson Townes for inspiring this poem. I wrote this version not knowing the author nor the verse and am happy to have found it at last. Written with love.- this is the best poem ever and i can recite it from heart
Around the corner
From guest Rosalina (contact)
This is the most inspiring poem I have ever read!It is now one of my all time favorites. When I first read it ,it sent a message to me saying if you have something to do then do it.I recently went to the poem store just to find itI did,the name of the book was POEMS THAT TOUCH THE HEART, and it did touch my heart with a message!its just awesome
From guest janam420 (contact)
its just awesome.......i love it.....this is my best eva poem i eva read.Around the Corner
From guest donquijote (contact)
Get on the phone and call your friend,tell him that you love him and tell him well,tell him that tomorrow it will be to late for your passing is written for a day today..leave him a embrace,an embrace of silent an embrace in pray a sincere embrace like in the all days..leave a note of thanks for the time you spend since there was a reason for being such a great friend, and that real reason only Good knows well since time was short and nothing could be learned...only good knows well, that in just one second you did change miself.If everyone cared...
From guest Larry {of dawnandlarryking} (contact)
This is a beautiful poem that my Mom reminded me of today as we were discussing the nature of friendship. It occurrs to me that a modern-day version of this thought comes to us from one of my favorite bands, Nickelback, who says, "If everyone cared and nobody cried, If everyone loved and nobody lied, If everyone shared and swallowed their pride, Then we'd see the day, when nobody died."- From guest Bob Hershey (contact)
A beautiful poem I was introduced to at a funeral of a friend yesterday. Reminds me of the 'Cats in the Cradle' song from years back. We must relish what we have, in the now. Tomorrow may come or --maybe not a beautiful composition.......and a vry true expression.......wish if all could realize it on right time.............time when all is not lost
From guest priyanka......... (contact)
- From guest Raju (contact)
I keep this poem on my desk, and whenever I read it, I make it a point to call an old friend. I also let him know that I was reminded to call him because of the poem. This is a true reflection of today's times. - From guest mohdrizwankoya (contact)
simply marvalous - From guest Michael (contact)
THANKYOU FOR THE GREAT WORDS I CHOSE THIS POEM TO SPEAK ON IN COLLEGE AND BROUGHT EVERYONE TO TEARS AND A LIFE FULL OF MEMORIES FOR MY SELF. THANKYOU AND GOD BLESS. - How much more true are Towne's words a century further on.
In the whirl of modern life the simple neighbourly habits are vanishing fast. Popping round to visit friends and neighbours was replaced by phone calls, then e-mails or texts and then just nothing -- all blamed on "lack-of-time".
Towne has it right when he writes
"And that's what we get and deserve in the end.
Around the corner, a vanished friend."
From Jim! Around the Corner
From guest Maryann (contact)
My grandpa had this framed and hanging in his home over 50 years ago and I always loved it!PRETTY GOOD POEM
From guest Micaelle Powell (contact)
I just read this poem and it's beautul! i think it means that if you love someone don't let he/she go. before you now it, he/she will disappear forever- From guest rbruce (contact)
It is so sad that the business of living demands so much that friends are left out. Friends make the business of living a happier experience. wonderful heartfelt poem
From guest Harry M. Dodd (contact)
Former Congressman Tip O'Neil always recited this poem at his ' old friend's renewal gatherings in Boston'Heart touch feeling
From guest nazeer (contact)
This is the poem which first I ready in one of Indias magazine CSR about 20years back and it touched me so deep that I memorized it complete and always sending to other friends and reminding the reality of life of us should not happen as what CH Towne described in this poem. Because it happens with most of the people that sometimes back they were very close friends and with time passes because of one or the other matter viz., struggle for survival they start going away and away and remain just think of the past whenever get sometime in the busy schedule of the life.Timeless
From guest Candi Robinson (contact)
I copied this down 30 yrs ago. The message is timeless. The page I wrote it on is yellowed with age but the poem is as true today as when it was written in 1900.
