Classic Poem

Gather leaves and grasses
Love, to-day,
For the autumn passes
Soon away.
Chilly winds are blowing.
It will soon be snowing.

Fill the vacant places
With them, dear,
And the empty vases.
Brown and sere
Sprays and leaves yet hold
Glints of summer's gold.

In the drear December
When it snows,
And the dying ember
Faintly glows,
Leaf and spray may bring
Thoughts of rosy spring.

Ah, we fondly cherish
Faded things
That had better perish.
Memory clings
To each leaf it saves.
Chilly winds are blowing,
It will soon be snowing
On our graves.