What should I say to you if we should meet
Some ages hence, time-worn and unaware?
How should I then your startled visage greet,
And to my own surprise, what might compare?
Would trembling lips still find a fond hello
For friends and lovers of a yesteryear,
And would glad hearts in gentle softness glow,
Or sadness mar such chance with silver tear?
Might joy or grief fall under cold restraint
And mask their stirrings in neutrality—
Yet what fool soul could ever contemplate
A heart unmoved by such strong poignancy?
A meeting thus, its silent thoughts proclaim
In smiles like the sun, or tears like rain.

© Loubert S Suddaby. All Rights Reserved.