Classic Poem

Life stood before me in the days long past,
Both hands outstretched, and slowly I unclasped
A jewel from my neck and gave it her;
Then gave her others, all without demur;
And still those outstretched hands that asked the whole.
“O life, O life, is this not ample? See,
My days, my hopes, my joys I give to thee;
I cannot give myself,” I learned to say.
Down dropped her arms, frowning she turned away,
And I go desolate, a baffled soul.