The Withered Leaf


Dry the leaf above the stubble,

Soon 'twill fall into the bramble,

But the mind receives a lesson

From the leaf when it has fallen.



Once it flourished in deep verdure,

Bright its aspect in the arbour,

Beside myriad of companions,

Once it danc'd in gay rotations.



Now its bloom is gone for ever,

'Neath the morning dew doth totter,

Sun or moon, or breezes balmy

Can't restore its verdant beauty.



* * * * *



Short its glory! soon it faded,

One day's joy, and then it ended;

Heaven declared its task was over,

It then fell, and that for ever.



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