MICHAEL walks in autumn leaves
Rustling leaves and fading grasses,
And his little music-box
Tinkles faintly as he passes.
It's a gay and jaunty tune
If the hands that play were clever:
Michael plays it like a dirge,
Moaning on and on forever.

While his happy eyes grow big,
Big and innocent and soulful,
Wistful, halting little notes
Rise, unutterably doleful,
Telling of all childish griefs–
Baffled babies sob forsaken,
Birds fly off and bubbles burst,
Kittens sleep and will not waken.

Michael, it's the touch of tears.
Though you sing for very gladness,
Others will not see you mirth;
They will mourn your fancied sadness.
Though you laugh at them in scorn,
Show your happy heart for token,
Michael, you'll protest in vain–
They will swear your heart is broken!