An Old Story

Edwin Arlington Robinson

An Old Story

Strange that I did not know him then,

That friend of mine!

I did not even show him then

One friendly sign;

 

But cursed him for the ways he had

To make me see

My envy of the praise he had

For praising me.

 

I would have rid the earth of him

Once, in my pride! . . .

I never knew the worth of him

Until he died.