Eight and Ten

When you were eight and I was ten!

     O, that was many years ago;

We thought we loved each other then,

     And shyly told each other so.

I walked with you, a barefoot boy,

     Both too and from the schoolhouse then;

But life seemed full of hope and joy,

     For you were eight and I was ten.

And then you moved – I missed you so,

     And people laughed because I cried;

And then I steeled my heart to woe,

     And walked alone, but hope had died.

I knew I ne’er should love but you,

     Though it were not the way of men;

I swore to you I’d e’er be true,

     When you were eight and I was ten.

And now the years have passed away –

     You’re three times eight, I three times ten;

I’ve sought you out and ask today

     We walk the childhood way again.

For life has never been so sweet,

     As in those simple moments when

We wandered down the village street,

     And you were eight, and I was ten.

April 13, ‘09

Sunday, April 18, ‘09