The Dead Child

Life to her was a perfect flower,
And every petal a jeweled hour,
Till all at once—we know not why—
God sent a frost from His clear blue sky.

Life to her was a fairy rune;
Her light feet tripped to the lilting tune,
Till all at once—we know not why—
God stopped th’ enchanting melody.

Life to her was a picture book
That her glad eyes searched with eager look
Till all at once—we know not why—
God put the wondrous volume by.