A little dust trod by the passers-by,

Swift feet that press your lonely resting-place;

Your dreams unfinished, and your song unheard—

Who wronged your youth by such a careless word?

All life was sweet—veiled mystery in its smile;

High in your hands you held the brimming cup;

Love waited at your bidding for a while,

Not yet the time to take its challenge up;

Across the sunshine came no faintest breath

To whisper of the tragedy of death.