Henry Lawson

The Separation

We knew too little of the world,
    And you and I were good—
’Twas paltry things that wrecked our lives
    As well I knew they would.
The people said our love was dead,
    But how were they to know?
Ah! had we loved each other less
    We’d not have quarrelled so.
We knew too little of the world,
    And you and I were kind,
We listened to what others said
    And both of us were blind.
The people said ’twas selfishness,
    But how were they to know?
Ah! had we both more selfish been
    We’d not have parted so.

But still when all seems lost on earth
    Then heaven sets a sign—
Kneel down beside your lonely bed,
    And I will kneel by mine,
And let us pray for happy days—
    Like those of long ago.
Ah! had we knelt together then
    We’d not have parted so.