Classic Poem

I.

Once shines the sweet dawn o'er the ocean spaces,
Once flames the sunlight on the laughing shore, —
Once life is gladdened by true friendly faces,
Once: then no more.

II.

Once love with tender beauty through life's valleys
Passes, once lays soft hand upon life's door;
Once from the green ravine white Venus sallies;
Once: then no more.

III.

Once fame twines bays, or love her sweeter fairer
Rose-crown that all the souls of men adore;
Once rings Apollo's voice, than music rarer;
Once: then no more.

IV.

Once we are lifted by the wild emotion
That through our veins life's splendid vistas pour,
Once gleams, superb for us, the blue broad ocean;
Once: then no more.

V.

Once tender sound of exquisite low laughter
Echoes; once swift lips meet and pain is o'er;
Once passion crowns us, — once and never after, —
Once: then no more.