The Friends

by Rudyard Kipling

　　

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I had some friends, but I dreamed that they were dead, Who used to dance with lanterns round a little boy in bed; Green and white lanterns that waved to and fro: But I haven’t seen a Firefly since ever so long ago! I had some friends, their crowns were in the sky, Who used to nod and whisper when a little boy went by, As the nuts began to tumble and the breeze began to blow: And I haven’t seen a Cocoa-palm since ever so long ago! I had a friend, he came up from Cape Horn, With a Coal-sack on his shoulder when a little boy was born. He heard me learn to talk, and he helped me thrive and grow: But I haven’t seen the Southern Cross since ever so long ago! I had a boat, I out and let her drive, Till I found my dream was foolish, for my friends were all alive. The Cocoa-palms were real, and the Southern Cross was true: And the Fireflies were dancing, so I danced too!

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