I. Dwight Fairfield, "The Ideal" (1907)
When I hear a youth expand,
"I have such an ideal friend,"
I think, while I silent keep,
Just another dreamer sleep.
When I hear a youth say, "He
Sore has disappointed me,"
I think, ere the next word spoke,
Just another sleeper woke.
When I hear a youth declare,
Men are friendly-friends are rare,"
Then I open wide my eyes,
For I know that youth is wise.
Published in Colored American Magazine, April 1907