OUTLIVED

Not alone the trembling stars Glimmering through their cloudy bars; Not alone yon mountain height Firm in adamantine might; Not alone the rolling seas Dread with awful mysteries; Nor the green earth, lying fair Under smiling depths of air; Nor the lofty towers that man, Strong to do and wise to plan, Hath reared proudly, stone by stone, To the heavens—not these alone Have outlived thee, thou whose dust Earth hath held in sacred trust, While a century hath shed Countless blooms above thy head. Thou art dust, but toys remain Fragile as a daisy-chain; Trifles light as thistle-down Or the dandelion’s crown! Here’s the cup that held your wine, Frail and flower-like, thin and fine; Here’s the beaker whose slight rim Reddened when you kissed the brim; Here’s the glass that held your face Mirrored in its curving grace; Linen wrought with dainty care; Laces delicate as air; Letters where your name is set, Holding subtle fragrance yet;— Thou art dust, while toys remain Fragile as a daisy-chain!