There is too much of life that is too sweet: The trees that drip with creeping strength; the birds Too mad in springtime ecstasy to meet The steady notes of calmer lays; lush words Of love that bubble from full hearts; blue skies Too deep and clear for permanence; a sun Too bright, before whose range man's fancy lies Asleep, in stupor before the race is done. Across my head and face I ask the sweat Of toil -- hot sweat; the sweat of agony -- Cold sweat; across my eyes the cold and wet Of tears. Let struggle, pain, encompass me. There is too much of life that is too sweet; Paths are made rough by God for sturdy feet. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...ON THE DANGER OF WAR by GEORGE MEREDITH NOCTURNE IN A DESERTED BRICKYARD by CARL SANDBURG TO THE SAME PURPOSE by THOMAS TRAHERNE FEATHERS ON THE GRASS by LAURA FRANCES ALEXANDER THE SMACK RACE by JOHN GARDINER CALKINS BRAINARD CHORIAMBICS: 2 by RUPERT BROOKE |