Classic Poem

Great dreamer, from the Schwarzwald's dreaded night,
Thy spirit brought strange sounds to haunt our ears;
Concerts sublime that teemed with ghostly fears,
And wondrous strains that fill the soul with fright.

But, with the dawn, thy muse leaps to the light,
Dipping white wings in hope that soothes and cheers;
Again, in sadder ways, it claims our tears,
Until thy waltzes to the dance invite.

Oh, perfect poet of the songful heart,
Thou hast combined in laughter and in pain
The varied moods within all bosoms rife.
And with a peerless grace and stainless art,
Enchanter of the senses and the brain,
Thy genius shows us life and all of life!