Friends

Years ago, Simply ages; I do n't know How the deuce they go: Like turning pages!

We're still friends at any rate; Nothing can invalidate The fun we had, Good or bad, Always together, Not caring whether Earthquake or thunder, Over or under; Joy in each heart; Singing like thrushes Young in bushes: Now — we're apart.

I've never been so happy since then: They talk of the love of women and men, It's not half so true as that of friends; Not passionate, not selfish, Never ends... Not our fault to be forced away, Destiny came: A wedge: We could not turn its edge; And so it fell upon that bitter day.

We might have had such times! But — No! No! It would n't go; And after that‘ twas never the same; I can n't encompass it by rhymes, Halting and tame; There it lies — Not to be altered by tears or sighs: We meet, stealing; Eyes on the door; With banished feeling — But — No more!