Side by side the mountains rise
Toward the blue of distant skies;
But tho’ roots may interlace
And each base is joined to base,
Till the friendly trees incline
And their branches touch and twine,
Yet, while aging day by day,
They part union on their way
Till the welcome sunlight seeks
To crown insulated peaks.
Side by side the great men rise
Towards the heights of brighter skies;
But tho’ minds together blend
And each friend is joined to friend,
Till their spirits interchange
And their thoughts have fullest range,
Yet while aging day by day,
They diverge upon life’s way
Till Young Genius claims his own
And they choose to soar alone.