Romance

When I was young
I used to say:
Romance will come riding by
And I shall surely smile
And play with him awhile.

When I grew older
then I said:
Romance may come riding by
I wonder shall I smile
And play with him awhile?

But now⁠—
            Alas! I only say:
Romance never will come by
And I shall never smile
He has been dead the while!