To Absent Friends/Quotes

"I drink to my kinsmen, who fought bravely at sea,

I drink to my kin, who will be missed not just by me."

—Einherjer, 'Odin owns ye all'

"Oh, protect our secret handshake
once more with feeling.
Let the toast to absent members
push through the ceiling.

Before we say goodnight.

—The Weakerthans 'Psalm For The Elks Lodge Last Call'

And I'm up while the dawn is breaking
Even though my heart is aching
I should be drinking a toast to absent friends

Instead of these comedians

—Elvis Costello, "The Comedians"

There's a grief that can't be spoken.
There's a pain goes on and on.
Empty chairs at empty tables

Now my friends are dead and gone.

—Marius, Les Misérables