THE OAK

         
        Love thy Life,
            Young and old,
        Like yon oak,
        Bright in spring,
            Living gold;

        Summer-rich
            Then; and then
        Autumn-changed,
        Soberer-hued
            Gold again.

        All his leaves
            Fallen at length,
        Look, he stands,
        Trunk and bough,
            Naked strength.