There was longer silence. A year or two

Brought me closer to you. I saw the play now

And the game somewhat and understood your fights

And enmities, and hardnesses and silences,

And wild humor that had kept you whole—

For your soul had made it as an antitoxin

To the world’s infections. And you swung to me

Closer than before—and a chumship began

Between us......

What vital power was yours!