At sixteen they laughed
yonder, in the springtime afternoon.
Later their lips became silent
and in their heart old age did intrude.
They had set out as friends

two dry leaves upon the ground.
Later they even went apart

on some autumn afternoon.
Now each of them, with lips all pale,
stooping, kisses his bonds.
Later they shall bend completely down
and will pass into the ground.

Kostas Karyotakis

http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/a-story-26/