To Eoghan

If now I went away, or if you went
Away from here, and after we had spent
Long years apart, we met here once again,
Though we are quite estranged, I think that then
We might our friendship find and hold anew,
For then would be no anger in us two.
We would learn all the things that happened since
Our parting, and see changes, and not wince
In jealousy or pride, but find it sweet
After our long estrangement thus to meet,
As intimate as now, yet distant, free
From this constraint of close hostility,
Weary perhaps of life and wandering,
Yet eager still, — I think that I should bring
All the old faults, and you would laugh at them,
Even welcome, maybe, what you now condemn.
And what would you bring ? What would you be? — I dare
Not think what you may be, and what you were.