The years have slipped away
I've been too slow to recognise
now I feel age deeply
dim are my weary eyes-

my hair has turned more white
sharper wrinkles are written on my brow
my steps have lost their bounce
I'm easily weary now-

the village-kids have turned adults
they have left for the town
how I missed their laughter
and presence-- hardly a handful are around-

there will be a marriage tomorrow
he's Henry and  she's  Nancy
I taught them three decades ago
will they still remember me?