the days of crystal and roses

A snippet of conversation (not verbatim because that's not the way I remember):

She said, "I was just telling someone about you the other day. I was at a wedding and they got crystal as a gift. I said, 'I got some beautiful crystal as a gift once.' "

I replied, "From a country that doesn't exist anymore."

I don't know whether to weep or sing. Maybe I'll do both.

"When eyes meet in silence,
a pact can be made.
A lifelong alliance,
that won't be betrayed." -- Pete Townshend "A Friend is a Friend"

No crystal could be as beautiful as a friend. Even the good crystal.