Classic Poem

Something of happiness and infancy —
Something of boyhood's buoyancy and truth —
Something of better days thou speak'st to me —
With tongue of kindness, redolent of youth.

And we have grown together! but alas,
How different our destiny hath been!
Through many a whirl of varying chance I pass —
Thou stand'st in beauty changeless and serene!

Around thee liveth Nature's brilliancy —
Within me dwelleth hopelessness and gloom;
Thy " leafy honours" shall increase, whilst he
Who gazes on thee, sinketh to the tomb;
Thy branches in luxuriant pride shall wave,
Whilst my worn frame rests in its quiet grave.