An Ancient among them

 My days of wandering are over,
My days of wondering ceased,
So much I failed to discover,
Yet my fortune of youth has deceased,

Was welcomed by forests and mountains,
Braved the red sands and the heat,
Admired the portraits and fountains,
A species I so longed to meet,

I’d lay by the rivers and feel,
That an old friend was comforting me,
For they were older than I and were real,
I beauty I could touch, hear and see,

Now I know that I did all I could do,
As it is I did not do a thing,
That is what it has come down to,
And as they burn I shall joyfully sing.