O After years of life together

O After years of life together,
After fair and stormy weather,
After travel in fair lands,
After touch of wedded hands,—
Why thus joined? why ever met,
If they must be strangers yet?

Strangers yet!

After childhood's winning ways,
After care and blame and praise,
Counsel asked and wisdom given,
After mutual prayers to Heaven,
Child and parent scarce regret
When they part — are strangers yet.