AMW aetat LIII

The turning earth has come back to your day,
it would have been surprising otherwise;
to note this fact is simply for me to say
that I can't see the thing through your clear eyes.
Distance and time each soften the harsh view:
we've gone to different places, chosen other ways,
but still the signals come, the love of the new,
and smiles appear when we think of those days.
To you I send this gift, no poison in my pen,
in appreciation of when we shared our hopes;
those times have passed, they won't be here again,
our feet have walked on very different slopes.
Still, here's to you, and when you pause to think
I ask that you join me in a cheery drink.