A poem?

The Past is a Happier Country

I was younger then and optimistic           But not wise, that came later.

I was younger then and loved                 But not the love that surrenders all.

I was younger then with friends              But where are they now?

I was younger then with hope.

I could hear                                             But did you listen?

I could see                                               But what did you notice?

I could sing.                                                         

I would be there                                      But can never be again.

I will be there                                          But not in this life.

I shall be there, ere long.

Tony Hebden

on listening to Choral Evensong

from 30 years ago