Encompassed by a thousand nameless fears, I see life's little day begin to wane, And hear the well-loved voices call in vain Across the narrowing margin of my years; And as the Valley of the Shadow nears, Such yearning tides of tenderness and pain Sweep over me that I can scarce restrain The gathering flood of ineffectual tears. Yet there are moments when the shadows bring No sense of parting or approaching night, But, rather, all my soul seems broadening Before the dawn of unimagined light— As if within the heart a folded wing Were making ready for a wider flight. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...TO SIR HENRY WOTTON (1) by JOHN DONNE LINES WRITTEN TO HIS WIFE [WHILE ON A VISIT TO UPPER INDIA] by REGINALD HEBER A FRAGMENT FROM THE AGAMEMNON OF AESCHYLOS by AESCHYLUS THE PIAZZA OF ST. MARK AT MIDNIGHT by THOMAS BAILEY ALDRICH |