I knew thee in childhood,
But ever potent time
Had well nigh stole the image
Once treasured in my mind;
Yes, time has dimmed the picture
And thrown its veil across,
And now and then a golden link
From memory's chain was lost.
But there are names and voices
That in other days were dear,
That among the heart's immortals
Grow brighter year by year;
Unmarred by weary distance,
Undimmed amid the strife,
They burn like love-lit beacon fires
Along the path of life.
And tho' I had forgotten
Thy once familiar face,
There are things I do remember
Change never can erase.
Thy name was ever music
In the chimes of days gone by,
And words you wrote on my young heart
Know not what 'tis to die.
