Alice in Wonderland

A BOAT, beneath a sunny sky,
Lingering onward dreamily
In an evening of July;
Children three that nestle near,
Eager eye and willing ear,	5
Pleased a simple tale to hear;—
Long has paled that sunny sky:
Echoes fade and memories die,
Autumn frosts have slain July.
Still she haunts me, phantom-wise,	10
Alice moving under skies
Never seen by waking eyes.
Children yet, the tale to hear,
Eager eye and willing ear,
Lovingly shall nestle near.	15
In a Wonderland they lie,
Dreaming as the days go by,
Dreaming as the summers die:
Ever drifting down the stream,
Lingering in the golden gleam,—	20
Life, what is it but a dream?

Lewis Carroll