FRIENDS OF YESTERDAY

Here's to the friends of yesterday
We know not where they are . . .
But the fragrance of their friendship . . .
steals to us from afar.
Here's to their smiles and happy songs . . .
that mingled with our own.
Here's to the loving thoughts we send
to them, when we're alone.

And though we cannot see them
Tonight, we know they're here.
The knowledge of their presence
comes to us, sweet and clear.
Though they are absent and silent . . .
With us, many a vacant chair . . .
like the vase, all shattered and broken . . .
the rose fragrance lingers there!