There was a time

There was a time when to our view
This dull old world looked fresh and new,
And you loved me and I loved you,
There was a time.

There was a time when young and gay
We frolicked through the livelong day,
And all our whole year was one May,
There was a time.

There was a time we did not dream
That things are other than they seem
And with delusive lustre gleam,
There was a time.

There was a time we had not yet
Learned to fume and cark and fret
And thankless riches hardly get,
There was a time.

There was a time — but it is past;
The child's become a man at last,
And age and death are coming fast,
There was a time.

(James Henry)