AH, tell me not that memory Sheds gladness o'er the past; What is recalled by faded flowers, Save that they did not last? Were it not better to forget, Than but remember and regret? Look back upon your hours of youth -- What were your early years, But scenes of childish cares and griefs? And say not childish tears Were nothing; at that time they were More than the young heart well could bear. Go on to riper years, and look Upon your sunny spring; And from the wrecks of former years, What will your memory bring? -- Affections wasted, pleasures fled, And hopes now numbered with the dead! | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...FOR THE NEW YEAR by EDWIN MARKHAM IN A RAILROAD STATION by SARA TEASDALE ON STURMINSTER FOOT-BRIDGE by THOMAS HARDY THE VISION (1) by ROBERT HERRICK THE SLEEPING BEAUTY by SAMUEL ROGERS |