a light eclipse of years

By some derision of wild circumstance 

Not then our pleasure somehow to perceive, 

Last night we fell together to achieve 

A light eclipse of years.  But the pale chance 

Of youth resumed was lost.  Time gave a glance 

At each of us, and there was no reprieve; 

And when there was at last a way to leave, 

Farewell was a foreseen extravagance. 

 

Tonight the west has yet a failing red, 

While silence whispers of all things not here; 

And round there where the fire was that is dead, 

Dusk-hidden tenants that are chairs appear. 

The same old stars will soon be overhead, 

But not so friendly and not quite so near. 

 

[Edwin Arlington Robinson {1869-1935}, 'Reunion']