TO ALL MY FRIENDS

If those who have been kind to me

Should ever chance these rhymes to see;

Then let them know, upon the spot,

Their kindnesses are not forgot!

If any worthy task was done,

The acts were never mine, not one:

For parent, teacher, wife or friend

Inspired the will, foresaw the end.

What sorrows do our friends avert!

How loyal, far beyond desert!

And yet how churlish, dumb and crude

Are all our words of gratitude.

Then O remember, you and YOU,

My old familiars, leal and true —

The love that bonded you and me

Is not forgot, will never be!