As by the fix'd decrees of Heaven, 'T is vain to hope that Joy can last; The dearest boon that Life has given, To me is -- visions of the past. For these this toy of blushing hue I prize with zeal before unknown, It tells me of a Friend I knew, Who loved me for myself alone. It tells me what how few can say Though all the social tie commend; Recorded in my heart 't will lay, It tells me mine was once a Friend. Through many a weary day gone by, With time the gift is dearer grown; And still I view in Memory's eye That teardrop sparkle through my own. And heartless Age perhaps will smile, Or wonder whence those feelings sprung; Yet let not sterner souls revile, For Both were open, Both were young. And Youth is sure the only time, When Pleasure blends no base alloy; When Life is blest without a crime, And Innocence resides with Joy. Let those reprove my feeble Soul, Who laugh to scorn Affection's name; While these impose a harsh controul, All will forgive who feel the same Then still I wear my simple toy, With pious care from wreck I'll save it; And this will form a dear employ For dear I was to him who gave it. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...THE BLUE-FLAG IN THE BOG by EDNA ST. VINCENT MILLAY TELLING THE BEES (A COLONIAL CUSTOM) by LIZETTE WOODWORTH REESE THE FAMILY MAN by JOHN GODFREY SAXE ALAS! by FRANKLIN PIERCE ADAMS MIDNIGHT THOUGHTS by LUCY AIKEN LINES ON THE DEATH OF PHILIP MEADOWS by ANNA LETITIA BARBAULD |