Classic Poem

I

OF AN IMPROBABLE STORY

I HEARD a story from an oak
 As I was walking in the wood—
I, of the stupid human-folk,
I heard a story from an oak.
Though larches into laughter broke
 I hardly think I understood.
I heard a story from an oak
As I was walking in the wood.

II

OF DEPLORABLE SENTIMENTS

I wouldn't sell my noble thirst
 For half-a-dozen bags of gold;
I'd like to drink until I burst.
I wouldn't sell my noble thirst
For lucre filthy and accurst—
 Such treasures can't be bought and sold!
I wouldn't sell my noble thirst
For half-a-dozen bags of gold.

III

OF LOVE AND LAUGHTER

You scattered joy about my way
 And filled my lips with love and laughter
In white and yellow fields of May
You scattered joy about my way.
Though Winter come with skies of grey
 And grisly death come stalking after,
You scattered joy about my way
 And filled my lips with love and laughter