Thank you for this posting site, southendmd. I had never heard of the song before, and stumbled in here almost by accident. Those lyrics! I was sitting at my computer at 7 in the morning, crying. You only remember when it is too late.
I checked out YouTube, and there are, indeed, many versions available. The best is Roberta Flack's--simply done, instrumentals restrained, and the emphasis on the words, as it should be. Another version to try is Renato Russo's, performed at the Stonewall Celebration. You know who he is singing to, and who he is singing about.
I hope you were not hurt by the one negative posting to this site. Our experiences do vary widely, but this song captures a certain reality and regret in many of us. Thanks again.