Michael walks through autumn leaves with his little music-box, and the tune itself should be bright, but his unsure hands make it drag and moan like a dirge. His face looks happy and innocent, yet the wobbly notes sound full of childish sorrow: abandoned babies, birds flying away, bursting bubbles, sleeping kittens that will not wake. The speaker affectionately warns him that this is “the touch of tears.” However glad Michael may actually feel, listeners will miss his mirth and hear only sadness. Even if he laughs, scoffs, and shows his happy heart, people will still swear he is heartbroken. There is a gentle irony in the gap between the boy’s real joy and the sorrow others imagine. The mood is tender and faintly melancholy, weaving together autumn’s fading grass and leaves with the way an innocent, clumsy tune can mislead.
The Touch of Tears — Summary
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!