I have grieved for old companions,

those I knew from years ago.

Steadfast friends who knew me well,

now lying under winter’s snow.

 

Those who fought with me in battle

And wept when men around us died.

Men who shared their inmost secrets

as we tried to stay alive.

 

Childhood friends, never forgotten,             

often come across my mind.

Memories of peals of laughter

as we shared the things we’d find.

 

Now I am old and most are gone

to another place and time.

My new friends hardly know me, 

and I have mountains to climb.

-Yu/stan/kema-