I am dreaming, sadly dreaming,
Of the bright, the sunny past,
When the days were naught but sunshine,
But, alas! they did not last.
When my path was strewn with flowers,
And gay birds their songs did sing,
All around as if to greet me,
And make my ears with music ring.
Friends I had where'er I sought them,
They welcomed me with smiles and bows,
But their friendship was not constant,
And they have broken all their vows.
But those days have passed and never
Will there be joy for me again,
Life to me will be darkness,
Trouble, toil, and care, and pain.
[Aged 13 years.]