OH, life was utterly good that night, That night of a dull warm June, When bite and sup and the kindly cup Put friends—two friends—in tune: The world without was unchanged, no doubt, But we left the world behind us, For you and I were as Gods on High, With the Gods' own vice to bind us! Give me an hour of generous talk With a friend—true friends are few— Of the goals we've sought and the fights we've fought, And the blows we dealt and knew. A free, frank talk of the roads we walk, And the hope, high hope, we cherish, With a heart-felt oath for the old-time sloth, And a sigh for the loves that perish. The voice of a woman is swift to soothe, And a woman's lips are sweet, But the woes we feel are for men to heal, For the men who have known defeat: So here's to the Gods that have set the odds Too high for my own commanding, But were pleased to send me a single friend ... And an hour of understanding! | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...NOCTURNE IN A MINOR KEY by CONRAD AIKEN IMAGINARY ANCESTORS: THE GIRAFFE WOMAN OF BURMA by MADELINE DEFREES DOWN BY THE CARIB SEA: 5. THE DANCING GIRL by JAMES WELDON JOHNSON AGING TOGETHER by CLARENCE MAJOR |