We, three men of commerce, <br />Striving wealth to raise, <br />See but little promise <br />In the coming days; <br />Though our hearts are brittle, <br />Hardened near to stone, <br />We can think a little <br />Of the seasons flown. <br /> <br />Lily days and rose days: <br />Youthful days so bright; <br />We were fools in those days, <br />Let’s be fools to-night. <br /> <br />We, three men of commerce, <br />Men of business we, <br />Gave but little promise <br />Of what we would be <br />When we wandered urchins— <br />Foes of law and rule— <br />Fearing only birchings <br />And the village school. <br /> <br />Lily days and rose days, <br />Boyhood’s days so bright; <br />We were fools in those days, <br />Let’s be fools to-night. <br /> <br />We, three men of commerce, <br />Men of business we, <br />Gave but little promise <br />Of ability <br />When we lived in riot; <br />Never drew the line, <br />Hating peace and quiet, <br />Loving maids and wine. <br /> <br />Days when money goes—days <br />When men’s hearts are right; <br />We were fools in those days, <br />Let’s be fools to-night. <br /> <br />We must wear to-morrow <br />All our worldly marks, <br />Calm looks for our sorrow, <br />Stern looks for our clerks, <br />Who, from trouble shrinking, <br />Tasting earthly joys, <br />Hate us, little thinking <br />Ever we were boys. <br /> <br />Days when kindness flows—days <br />When men’s hearts are white; <br />We’ve been wise since those days, <br />Let’s be fools to-night.<br /><br />Henry Lawson<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/let-s-be-fools-to-night-2/
