Long ago –

once i loved you, yes, indeed, it’s true --

our breaths entwining making memories,

your pupils widening, eyes so blue

delighting in our own chicanery –

we sat beneath a willow trading

stories of a youthful pressured cast

just as the summer light was fading

leaving traces lingering too fast –

but we grew apart, the years distending

recollection like a frail balloon –

it was here and there and then was ending

coming, sadly, oh too quick, too soon!

i loved you once along the years

now fond remembrance overtakes my tears --