Crush the Dead Leaves Under Thy Feet

By George Manwaring

Crush the dead leaves under thy feet,
Gaze not on them with mournful sigh;
Think not earth has no glory left,
Because a few of its frail things die;
Springtime will bring fresh verdure as sweet –
Crush the dead leaves under thy feet.

Look not back with despairing heart,
Think not life’s morning has been in vain;
Rich broad fields lie before thee yet,
Ready to yield their golden grain;
Autumn may bring thee fruitage as sweet –
Crush the dead leaves under thy feet.

Murmur not as the shadows fall
Thick and dark on thy earthly way;
Hearts there are who must walk in the shade
Till they reach the light of eternal day;
Life is not long and its years are fleet –
Crush the dead leaves under thy feet.

Bravely work with a steadfast soul,
Make others happy and thou shalt find
Happiness flowing back to thy heart,
A quiet peace and contented mind;
If earth be lonely, then heaven is sweet –
Crush the dead leaves under thy feet.

(1880)