The Friends

I had some friends, but I dreamed that they were dead,     Who used to dance with lanterns round a little boy in bed;     Green and white lanterns that waved to and fro:     But I havent seen a Firefly since ever so long ago!     I had some friends, their crowns were in the sky,     Who used to nod and whisper when a little boy went by,     As the nuts began to tumble and the breeze began to blow:     And I havent seen a Cocoa-palm since ever so long ago!     I had a friend, he came up from Cape Horn,     With a Coal-sack on his shoulder when a little boy was born.     He heard me learn to talk, and he helped me thrive and grow:     But I havent seen the Southern Cross since ever so long ago!     I had a boat, I out and let her drive,     Till I found my dream was foolish, for my friends were all alive.     The Cocoa-palms were real, and the Southern Cross was true:     And the Fireflies were dancing, so I danced too!