Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, THE SPAN OF LIFE, by LEVI BISHOP


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THE SPAN OF LIFE, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: The rays that first salute the morn
Last Line: Shall spring to life beyond the tomb.
Subject(s): Graves; Life; Sun; Tombs; Tombstones


The rays that first salute the morn --
That scatter pearls along their way,
Are dim, like future yet unborn,
But hopeful of the rising day
Thus gems, and future promise too,
Are dimly seen in childhood's years;
They shoot from indications true,
But still are wrapped in hopes and fears.

The sun that tells meridian tide --
That sits enthroned in purest light --
That darts his beams on every side,
Is full of majesty and might:
Thus, who to middle life belong,
May fling to view what first began
In early hopes -- be wise, and strong,
And good, and true to God and man.

The sun that shoots to western main,
With blazing banners full unfurled,
And plunges there, to rise again,
Bequeaths a lesson to the world:
The man that sinks at last to rest,
With ripened virtues full in bloom,
Like sun that sinks beneath the West,
Shall spring to life beyond the tomb.





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