Make news friends,
but keep the old.
One is silver,
and the other gold.
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This is a simple poem.
What does 'the old' mean?
Does 'the old' mean 'old people' or 'old friends'?
What does 'One' refer to?
What does 'the other' refer to?
"the old" means "old friends"
"one" means the "new friends" (only since they are mentioned first in the poem)
"the other" means the "old" friends (only since they are mentioned second in the poem)
In the given poem, "Make new friends, but keep the old. One is silver, and the other gold," there is a metaphorical use of language. Let's break down the meaning:
1. "The old" refers to "old friends" rather than "old people." It implies the importance of maintaining strong relationships with friends we have known and cherished for a long time. These old friends hold value and significance in our lives.
2. "One" refers to the new friends we make. It signifies the introduction of new connections and friendships in our lives. These new friends are described as "silver" in the poem, representing their worth and value.
3. "The other" refers to the old friends we already have. It emphasizes the enduring value of our existing friendships, describing them as "gold." This line signifies that both new and old friends have their own unique qualities and contributions to our lives.
In summary, the poem encourages the idea of making new friends, while also valuing and nurturing the friendships we have already established. It reminds us that both new and old friends hold significance, just like silver and gold, and both enrich our lives in different ways.