Ballads of Peace in War

ALWAYS MAYTIME

       (for  Gerry)

    When May has spent its little song,
    And richer comes the June,
    Through former eyes the heart will long
    For May again in tune;
    Though large with promise hope may be,
    By future visions cast,
    Our memoried thoughts will yearn to see
    The happy little past.

    And you, my loyal little friend,
    (From May to June you go),
    What years of loyalty attend
    Great comradeship we know;
    Yet joy have me in place of tears
    To see your road depart,
    For whether east or west your years,
    A friend stays home at heart.

    Then gladly let the Springtime pass
    And Summer in its wake;
    Ahead are fields of flower and grass
    All fragrant for your sake:
    With hearts of joy we say farewell,
    With laughter, wave and nod,
    It's always May for us who dwell
    In seasons close to God.