Classic Poem

“S OME people have the loveliest time.
I'm tired of learning everything!”
“You have not learned it yet. We climb
Great mountains slowly, child, and bring
Few flowers into the huts below,
When down for bread and sleep we go.”

“Just read this letter. Oh, how sweet
She must have looked;—only one year
Older than I, too.” “Very neat
Her hat and plume may be, my dear.”
“‘More queenly than a queen’” — “Just so”
“‘In her dark purple habit.’”—(“Oh!”)

“‘Then at the ball that night she wore
Only one blush-rose in her hair
And one in either cheek.’”—“What more
Needs any charming Miss to wear?
They do not cost like lace and pearls,
You saddest of gold-headed girls.”

“That's from the North.” “Now turn and read
A letter from the South, I say.”
“‘Nothing but Death is here’”—“Indeed?”
“‘And Misery following Death.’” “Ah me!—
That's of some people, too, you see.”