Classic Poem

Child with the butterfly,
Boy with the ball,
Youth with the maiden —
Still I am all.

Wisdom of manhood
Keeps the old joy;
Conquered illusions
Leave me a boy.

Falsehood and baseness
Teach me but this:
Earth still is beautiful,
Being is bliss.

Locks to my temples
Hoary may cling;
'T is but as daisies
On meadows of spring.