Classic Poem

As the hedges, clipt and even,
That parallel the common way —
And upon one side the hedges
And upon one side bare trees —
As these hedges bear the dried leaves
That have fallen from spent branches, —
Having caught them in mid air —
And hold them yet awhile
That they may not be so soon
Jostled about and tramped on —

The red, the yellow, the purple — blues —
So do my words catch and bear
Both leaves and flowers that are fallen —
In all places before the feet
Of the passing many — to bear them
Yet awhile before they are trodden.