The Complete Poems of Paul Laurence Dunbar/Dirge

DIRGE

Place this bunch of mignonette In her cold, dead hand; When the golden sun is set, Where the poplars stand, Bury her from sun and day, Lay my little love away From my sight.

She was like a modest flower Blown in sunny June, Warm as sun at noon's high hour, Chaster than the moon. Ah, her day was brief and bright, Earth has lost a star of light; She is dead.

Softly breathe her name to me,— Ah, I loved her so. Gentle let your tribute be; None may better know Her true worth than I who weep O'er her as she lies asleep— Soft asleep.

Lay these lilies on her breast, They are not more white Than the soul of her, at rest 'Neath their petals bright. Chant your aves soft and low, Solemn be your tread and slow,— She is dead.

Lay her here beneath the grass, Cool and green and sweet, Where the gentle brook may pass Crooning at her feet. Nature's bards shall come and sing, And the fairest flowers shall spring Where she lies.

Safe above the water's swirl, She has crossed the bar; Earth has lost a precious pearl, Heaven has gained a star, That shall ever sing and shine, Till it quells this grief of mine For my love.