Old Friends

Forgive me, World, if I outlive my welcome;

Still look on me with gracious thoughts and kind;

Remembering all the love of my old friends

That lie at rest, and never change their mind.

Forgive me, World, if I am old and think

A silver love deserves return in gold:

An old dog friend- whose kennel was my shadow-

Has left it empty, and I feel the cold.