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. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...HUMPTY DUMPTY RECITATION [OR, SONG] by CHARLES LUTWIDGE DODGSON THE IDEA by AGNES MARY F. ROBINSON BETTY TO HERSELF by EDWARD W. BANNARD TO A LADY WHO HAD LOST A RELATIVE by JOHN GARDINER CALKINS BRAINARD ERE THE GOLDEN BOWL IS BROKEN by ANNA HEMPSTEAD BRANCH |