Classic Poem

At sixteen years she knew no care;
— How could she, sweet and pure as light?
And there pursued her everywhere
— Butterflies all white.

A lover looked. She dropped her eyes
— That glowed like pansies wet with dew;
And lo, there came from out the skies
— Butterflies all blue.

Before she guessed her heart was gone;
— The tale of love was swiftly told;
And all about her wheeled and shone
— Butterflies all gold.

Then he forsook her one sad morn;
— She wept and sobbed, " Oh, love, come back! "
There only came to her forlorn
— Butterflies all black.