To a Heroic Youth

The time between sunrise and sunset To some people serene, to some fret. While humans pass their time in rest The animals show urge of leaving nest. The moon was above mountain rock When I behold something in shock. I found a carcass in white thick sand, The poor wretched with twitched hand. The two big eyes seemed to gaze at me. How piteous a sight for a mortal’s eye! The death of another youth in the earth In an age which is for delight and mirth. O immortal youth! Let not fear hell Though you are dead but I foretell This glorious loss would be undying As your daring act is death-defying. The dew of dark night upon the grass Is weeping for you and saying, “Alas!” I hold this sealed Sugar-pot and swear “Heroic Ant, you will lie here forever.”