We met in Berlin when the wall was crumbling

Two students amid the chaos of living history

It was like war-time only in reverse

How we lunged at each other was no mystery

Marriage was just a matter of course

Then our careers upset the apple-cart

You went on business back to Berlin and stayed

Leaving me with the kids and a broken heart

 

You'd altered little but for a frown-line

Eyes as hollow as before, no bags to discern

Strange how we met again on a Hamburg tram

Did you ever emulate me and yearn?

 

Whenever I read about the Fall of the Wall

My sangroid crumbles before your face

I try now to avoid any mention of Berlin

It seems more than ever an accursed place.

We chatted but naturally skated over the past

No longer able to confide as before

Goodbyes almost a relief as you disembarked

I knew I'd never see you anymore

 

You'd altered little but for a frown-line

Eyes as hollow as before, no bags to discern

Strange how we met again on a Hamburg tram

Did you ever emulate me and yearn?