Classic Poem

Remember me as one who loved awhile
Life, — and the splendid merriment I had;
Life, — and its throngs of people, gay and sad,
But all so quick to answer smile with smile;
Life, — that with changeful humours did beguile
My changeful moods, and ever found me glad
To fare upon adventures, wise or mad, —
A runner laughing down the fleeting mile.

Or as a child who loved the shining toy
The gods placed in its hands, remember me;
And if I cried at dusk to touch a star,
Forgive! For I who was a-flame with joy
Shall lie most lonely in my shroud, and be
Far from the things I loved, — from thee so far!