When You And I were Boys Old Friend
Posted: Mon Nov 14, 2011 2:23 pm
WHEN YOU AND I WERE BOYS OLD FRIEND
Remember how it used to be when we were boy’s old friend,
those carefree years out in the bush; we thought they’d never end.
For you and I were best of mates and life was full of fun,
still blessed with childhood innocence we frolicked in the sun.
I cherish now those days of youth; the friendship that we shared,
the kind of crazy things we did that only young boys dared.
I still recall test matches that we used to play each week,
and happy hours spent fishing for small minnows in the creek.
Too quickly youthful days passed by and soon we were young men,
those joyful times were over and our lives would start again.
We both discovered girls and then began to drift apart,
the fairer sex took precedence; in matters of the heart.
Before too long you’d settled down with children on the way,
while I’d become a wanderer; I’m still the same today.
And though our bonds remained quite strong, a gulf began to grow,
we finally lost contact, all those many years ago.
I’d often think about you as I sat alone at night,
beside a warming campfire as the stars were shining bright.
And memories would focus on the story that awaits,
about two boys born in the bush who’d been the truest mates.
Then came that letter from your wife to say that you were ill,
and wished a final word with me; you’d sensed deaths icy chill.
I made it back to see you mate; somehow you had hung on,
A few last words about our youth, a smile, and you were gone.
I stand here by your grave old friend; my mind is drifting back,
to days of boyhood mateship, way out on that dusty track.
I hear again your laughter ringing faintly through the years,
and see once more the way things were, through eyes now moist with tears.
******
© T. E. Piggott 9/11/2011
Remember how it used to be when we were boy’s old friend,
those carefree years out in the bush; we thought they’d never end.
For you and I were best of mates and life was full of fun,
still blessed with childhood innocence we frolicked in the sun.
I cherish now those days of youth; the friendship that we shared,
the kind of crazy things we did that only young boys dared.
I still recall test matches that we used to play each week,
and happy hours spent fishing for small minnows in the creek.
Too quickly youthful days passed by and soon we were young men,
those joyful times were over and our lives would start again.
We both discovered girls and then began to drift apart,
the fairer sex took precedence; in matters of the heart.
Before too long you’d settled down with children on the way,
while I’d become a wanderer; I’m still the same today.
And though our bonds remained quite strong, a gulf began to grow,
we finally lost contact, all those many years ago.
I’d often think about you as I sat alone at night,
beside a warming campfire as the stars were shining bright.
And memories would focus on the story that awaits,
about two boys born in the bush who’d been the truest mates.
Then came that letter from your wife to say that you were ill,
and wished a final word with me; you’d sensed deaths icy chill.
I made it back to see you mate; somehow you had hung on,
A few last words about our youth, a smile, and you were gone.
I stand here by your grave old friend; my mind is drifting back,
to days of boyhood mateship, way out on that dusty track.
I hear again your laughter ringing faintly through the years,
and see once more the way things were, through eyes now moist with tears.
******
© T. E. Piggott 9/11/2011
