Classic Poem

FAIR , fragile waif; — whose wandering child art thou!
Climbed thou, the sun's-beam, from the ocean's breast,
Or from some ice-capped mountain's sparkling crest;
Or from the rill which bathed yon hill's hot brow
When summer's fever burned; — all ashen, now,
With winter's savage frown? or did'st thou rest
Within some pool which breathing spring caressed
With silken leaves, that decked the dipping bough.
Mayhap, a tear-like drop of morning's dew
Wert thou — spilled from the hare-bell's trembling cup,
Or nestled on some blade — content to be
The glory of the ray which bare thee up,
Far — far — within the skies wide sea of blue: —
Now, wandering back across the frozen lea.