In Which I Post a Birthday Sonnet, a Year Late
When that sad night it came to say farewell
We raised a glass to you and spoke of when
We'd see your face anon and drink again
To health, to love, to friendships deep, and tell
Old jests once more, and speak of what befell
Last week as thought it were out of ken
And just a dream that since had come to end
And not a bitter loss no smile can sell.
Yet for our noble words, the stifled tears,
I felt, at twenty-four, that this could be
The last time that we'd meet in Earth's sweet day,
And that has made my breast grow hard with fear,
and choked the joy of life: to clearly see
That cruèl chance could pluck a friend away.
That chance can take a friend fore'er away.
We raised a glass to you and spoke of when
We'd see your face anon and drink again
To health, to love, to friendships deep, and tell
Old jests once more, and speak of what befell
Last week as thought it were out of ken
And just a dream that since had come to end
And not a bitter loss no smile can sell.
Yet for our noble words, the stifled tears,
I felt, at twenty-four, that this could be
The last time that we'd meet in Earth's sweet day,
And that has made my breast grow hard with fear,
and choked the joy of life: to clearly see
That cruèl chance could pluck a friend away.
That chance can take a friend fore'er away.