When I was young--long, long ago-- <br />I dreamed myself among the flowers; <br />And fancy drew the picture so, <br />They seemed like Fairies in their bowers. <br /> <br />The rose was still a rose, you know-- <br />But yet a maid. What could I do? <br />You surely would not have me go, <br />When rosy maidens seem to woo? <br /> <br />My heart was gay, and 'mid the throng <br />I sported for an hour or two; <br />We danced the flowery paths along, <br />And did as youthful lovers do. <br /> <br />But sports must cease, and so I dreamed <br />To part with these, my fairy flowers-- <br />But oh, how very hard it seemed <br />To say good-by 'mid such sweet bowers! <br /> <br />And one fair Maid of modest air <br />Gazed on me with her eye of blue; <br />I saw the tear-drop gathering there-- <br />How could I say to her, Adieu! <br /> <br />I fondly gave my hand and heart, <br />And we were wed. Bright hour of youth! <br />How little did I think to part <br />With my sweet bride, whose name was Truth! <br /> <br />But time passed on, and Truth grew gray, <br />And chided, though with gentlest art: <br />I loved her, though I went astray, <br />And almost broke her faithful heart. <br /> <br />And then I left her, and in tears-- <br />These could not move my hardened breast! <br />I wandered, and for weary years <br />I sought for bliss, but found no rest. <br /> <br />I sought--yet ever sought in vain-- <br />To find the peace, the joy of youth: <br />At last, I turned me back again, <br />And found them with my faithful Truth.<br /><br />Samuel Griswold Goodrich<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/a-dream-of-life/
