The Lesson (Kipling, 1881)

two learned the lesson together,
 * The oldest of all, yet so new

To myself, and I'm wondering whether
 * It was utterly novel to you?

The pages&mdash;you seemed to have known them,
 * The pictures that changed 'neath our eyes;

Alas! by what hand were you shown them,
 * That I find you so womanly wise?

Is it strange that my hand on your shoulder
 * In the dusk of the day should be placed?

Did you say to yourself, "Were he older
 * His arm had encircled my waist?"

If it be so, so be it, fair teacher;
 * I sit at your feet and am wise,

For each page of the book is a feature,
 * And the light of the reading, your eyes.

We have met, and the meeting is over;
 * We must part, and the parting is now;

We have played out the game&mdash;I, boy-lover,
 * In earnest, and you, dearest, how?