To An Old Friend

Out of the sunny past  you came,

Calling me by my childhood name,

Bringing me meadows rich with wheat,

The sheltered lane and the cool retreat.

Out of the land of used to be

You smiled and gave your hand to me.

Under your spell, I saw once more

The garden gate and the farmhouse door.

Once in a distant glowing time,

Shoulder to shoulder we used to climb,

Green was the hill and the path curved high

To the turquoise arch of the friendly sky.

Gone is farmhouse and the grove;

Gone are the landmarks we used to love;

Gone is our footprint on the hill;

Only our friendship lingers still!

~ Anne Campbell