The sunny cast of my childhood years,
Which to me has so much meant.
Wave farewell as their parting nears.
And from my memoried past are rent.

All those gone or so sad going,
Continue being just as they were.
Yet now among the known not knowing,
From where they yet fond memories stir.

Few and fewer now share this past,
And see what I still see.
Beyond me this will briefer last,
As my contemporaries cease to be.

Those people, characters, voices, looks,
Their stories, joy and laughter.
Are to me life's dog-eared favourite books,
Me being their happy ever after.