What force and strength cannot get through
I with a gentle touch can do,
And many in the street would stand,
Were I not a friend at hand

I think it's a doorbell.

Pounding and slamming won't get you though someone's door, but a gentle touch of the doorbell and they would let you in, assumedly.

If noone let you in, you'd be left standing in the street, as many people stay.  Doorbells are accessible to anyone, so I think that would qualify as a friend at hand. 

Slightly different from a doorkey or the like, since you can lightly brush the little button and electricity does the work.

Posted by John on 2006-03-07 12:45:47