Page:Trees Kilmer.djvu/39

TREES AND OTHER POEMS

MARTIN (continued) How like his old unselfish way

To leave those halls of splendid mirth

And comfort those condemned to stay

Upon the dull and sombre earth.

Some people ask: "What cruel chance

Made Martin's life so sad a story?"

Martin? Why, he exhaled romance,

And wore an overcoat of glory.

A fleck of sunlight in the street,

A horse, a book, a girl who smiled,

Such visions made each moment sweet

For this receptive ancient child.

Because it was old Martin's lot

To be, not make, a decoration,

Shall we then scorn him, having not

His genius of appreciation?

Rich joy and love he got and gave;

His heart was merry as his dress;

Pile laurel wreaths upon his grave

Who did not gain, but was, success! [ 33 ]