I miss thee, blithe companion of my youth
As now the changing years move slow away,
These times return, and now I know in truth
I loved you in that bright and happy day.
I miss thee now! The joys of vanished years,
That long ago have blended with the past,
To me return, and now I see thru tears
My folly of youth's day that flew so fast.
Ah, had I spoken ere thy passion waned!
Had I but shown the love I might have shown,
And cheered thy heart so sorely: deeply pained,
Both lives life's sweetest joys might long have known.
Love's warmth and glow were crimsoned on thy cheek.
Thy rosy lips oft met and re-met mine.
Thou loved'st, but of love thou could' st not speak,
Thou could'st but wait and let thy heart repine.
I knew not then I loved thee; altho joy,
The purest and the brightest filled my life.
My heart was light... I was a care free boy,
Until this sorrow filled my soul with strife.
I miss thee! When thy fond heart, failing, turned
Despairing, o'er the distant hills to rove,
My conscience smote me, and my bosom yearned
For love and thee. Ah, then I knew my love!
