Classic Poem

To see the rich autumnal tints depart
And view the fading of the roseate glow
That veils some Alpine altitude of snow,
To hear some mighty masterpiece of art
Lost or destroyed, may to the adult heart,
Impatient of the transitory show
Of lovelinesses that but come and go,
A positive strange eager thankfulness impart.
When human pure perfections disappear,
Not at the first but at some later day
The buoyancy of such reaction may
With strong assurance conquer blank dismay,
Make Hope triumphant over Doubt and fear
To Prove that spiritual victory clear.