Reunion, May 2012, the Village

Through the ravages of time Those youthful faces appear As friendship and memory Erases the damage of years. The conversations continue As though never broken Just an extended break until The next words were spoken. We all drink the same drinks Though they cost a lot more And the room has changed They’ve moved the door Thre pub doubled in size But we are seeing it Through youthful eyes. The atmosphere hasn’t gone It’s still very much the same And I spite of all renovations They’ve retained the old name. Yup no longer behind his bar Elisabeth has retired too It’s all Waiter service now Just another thing that’s new. Run by their daughter Birgit So it’s still a family venture Such a fitting place for Our reunion adventure. There’s now a vilage square Where Marlisse’s house stood Opposite Otto’s unchanged bar So I suppose that’s good. I sat in his bar to check It was safe and alright To slip across road for Another happy illicit night. This will be our last visit For our stories are almost told We all may be young at heart But we are fast growing old. We all take one last look Through memories eye And as the taxi draws away Wish our village fond goodbye. We part at the station After four memorable days And by various means Go on our separate ways.