I had a friend from long-ago,
Youth! was his enviable name,
From where he went I’m lost to know,
A Riddle from whence he came.
He is there in many a Photograph,
His face aflame with life,
So ready to Joke and quick to Laugh ,
Unscarred by future strife .
A Companion through the Learning years,
We unwrapped what life had gave,
Through playing Games and Musketeers,
Life’s sweetest Wine to crave.
But so he went that elusive friend,
At the close of Infant days,
As within his care I once did spend,
The joy of Childish Ways.
Oh vanished Youth though you may never return,
With your Virtuous and Guileless Heart,
These later years I often learn,
Are Grey now we’re apart.