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 haven’t 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 haven’t seen a Coco-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 haven’t 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 Coco-palms were real, and the Southern Cross was true: And the Fireflies were dancing—so I danced too!
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