Poems (Acton)/A Birthday Tribute to an Early Friend
A BIRTHDAY TRIBUTE TO AN EARLY FRIEND.
What changeful years have o'er me passed Since first thy worth I knew!Since first my youthful spirit felt Thy priceless friendship true:I treasure in my bosom's shrineThe years that linked my fate with thine.
Time hath rolled on since those young days, Fraught both with joy and woe;Smiles for the heart's fresh spring time bright; Tears for its hopes laid low.Yet 'mid our fortune, good and ill,Thy love doth cling around us still.
To share those joys when pleasure smil'd, To soothe the soul's distress;How can my feeble words pourtray Thy care and tenderness!Thy heart so warm for kindly deed,Thy ready hand in time of need.
And now on this thy natal day, Would that my wish could bringJoy to thy heart, and keep thee free From grief and suffering;Would that a spell-like pow'r were mine,To realize each hope of thine.
No magic charm, alas! I own, Thy path to shield from care;Yet all my warmest hopes could give Dwells in my earnest prayer,That bright each coming day may beTo thee, my youth's lov'd friend—to thee!H. A.