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!