Classic Poem

Oh, long-time Friend, 't is many a year since we
Took hands together, and came through the morn,
When thou and day and I were newly born —
And fair the future looked, and glad and free —
A year as long as whole Eternity —
And full of roses with no stinging thorn,
And full of joys that could not be outworn;
And time was measureless for thee and me.

Long have we fared together, thou and I:
Thou hast grown dearer, as old friends must grow:
Small wonder if I dread to say good-by
When our long pact is over, and I go
To enter strange, new worlds beyond the sky,
Called by that Power to whom no man saith No.