AS, with enforc'd yet unreluctant pace We downward move along life's westward slope, Slow fades the once bright gleam of personal hope, And larger looms the future of the race; Our wistful eyes the goodly prospect trace, Seen through a haze of forecast; there outspread Lie the fair fields our children's feet shall tread When we have passed to our abiding place. Oh! sons and daughters of the coming age, Give worthy meed of gratitude and praise To those true souls who, in less happy days, Have lived for others -- most of all for you, -- Have stored the wealth which is your heritage, And plann'd the work it will be yours to do. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...WORK by ALEKSANDR SERGEYEVICH PUSHKIN THRENOS by PERCY BYSSHE SHELLEY PSALM 90 by OLD TESTAMENT BIBLE ENOUGH by CHARLES GRANGER BLANDEN BYROAD by EDMUND CHARLES BLUNDEN A GIRL'S SONG IN THE WILDERNESS by ANNA HEMPSTEAD BRANCH EPITAPH ON MR. FRANCIS LEE OF THE TEMPLE, GENT. by WILLIAM BROWNE (1591-1643) |