THE half-seen memories of childish days, When pains and pleasures lightly came and went; The sympathies of boyhood rashly spent In fearful wanderings through forbidden ways; The vague, but manly wish to tread the maze Of life to noble ends, -- whereon intent, Asking to know for what man here is sent, The bravest heart must often pause, and gaze; The firm resolve to seek the chosen end Of manhood's judgment, cautious and mature, -- Each of these viewless bonds binds friend to friend With strength no selfish purpose can secure: My happy lot is this, that all attend That friendship which first came, and which shall last endure. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...FORBIDDEN FRUIT: 2 by EMILY DICKINSON TROILUS AND CRESSIDA: SONG by JOHN DRYDEN THE PLOUGHMAN by OLIVER WENDELL HOLMES WOULD I KNEW! by WILLIAM ALLINGHAM LISTENING by KATHARINE LEE BATES BURY HIM DEEP by THOMAS LOVELL BEDDOES |