WE'VE GROWN APART IN ALL THESE YEARS.

We were firm friends in years gone by,

Were classmates at the school,

And kept each other company,

Against the master's rule.

For he was righteous and he taught:

“No boys with girls shall play!”

I wonder if he really thought

They'd lead us all astray.

“No messages shall pass between

The scholars in this school!

And, woe to him who first is seen

To violate this rule!”

By fear and awe were all oppressed

And knew not what to do:

But I, more bold than all the rest,

Sent Kate my billets-doux.

She answered them, and sweeter notes

A lover never read;

I've often wondered since that time

They never turned my head.

And when our daily tasks were o'er,

Away from school we ran

To meet within some leafy dell

And both our futures plan.

But now she meets me with reserve,

No welcome, as of yore;

No parting with a warm embrace,

No kisses at the door.

Another fellow charms her now;

She's children pert and tripper

And, many a time, upon her knee,

She spanks them with her slipper.