A Dream Lies Dead

A dream lies dead here. May you softly go

Before this place, and turn away your eyes

Nor seek to know the look of that which dies

Importuning Life for life. Walk not in woe

But, for a little, let your step be slow

And, of your mercy, be not sweetly wise

With words of hope and Spring and tenderer skies

A dream lies dead; and this all mourners know



Whenever one drifted petal leaves the tree

Though white of bloom as it had been before

And proudly waitful of fecundity

One little loveliness can be no more

And so must Beauty bow her imperfect head

Because a dream has joined the wistful dead!