Pictures in Rhyme/Illusions Perdues

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2717046Pictures in Rhyme1891Arthur Clark Kennedy

ILLUSIONS PERDUES

I thought that I would dwell with love
And love with me, till, ah! one day
I found that he could faithless prove—
He spread his wings and flew away.


I thought that I would sing for fame;
I stretched my hands to grasp the wreath,
Which in my eager clutch became
Sere leaflets, withered by a breath.


I thought that I would gather wealth,
To clothe and educate the poor,
To reach unto the stricken, health—
'Twas dust that strewed my garner-floor.


I think that when I die, my soul
Will melt into another land
Of all things perfected—the goal
Of what we cannot understand.

And yet, perchance, I may but go
Six feet, no further, merged in clay,
To be the food of flowers—and so
My last illusion will decay.

PRINTED BY

SPOTTISWOODE AND CO., NEW-STREET SQUARE

LONDON