There were days when it went well in the classroom,

Something really done, when I could tell

That twenty minds were one.

There were days when too much morning sun

Warmed the high window. Springtime sky and trees

Called all away, and none of us could go.

Was it one of these?

Some of the thousand hours were quick with love

I told you nothing of,

And nothing of hurt that would not stay at home alone,

When with heart like a round stone

In a coat-pocket, I stood for an hour, and taught you.

There were days when half a thought

Was all you got, and all I had to give.

Which day was it I told you a man, to live,

Must look ahead?

You come years afterward to say

You are lucky and lighted still and led

By a certain thing you'll never forget I said,

But of all my days for you, upon which day?