What was is ... since 1930; br the boys in my old gang br are senior partners. They start up br bald like baby birds br to embrace retirement. br br At the altar of surrender, br I met you br in the hour of credulity. br How your misfortune came out clearly br to us at twenty. br br At the gingerbread casino, br how innocent the nights we made it br on our Vesuvio martinis br with no vermouth but vodka br to sweeten the dry gin-- br br the lash across my face br that night we adored . . . br soon every night and all, br when your sweet, amorous br repetition changed.