What is life that we should love it, Cherishing it evermore, Never prizing aught above it, Ever loath to give it o'er? Is it goodness? Is it gladness? Nay, 'tis more of sin and sadness, Nay, of weariness 'tis more. Earthly joys are very fleeting -- Earthly sorrows very long; -- Parting ever follows meeting, Night succeeds to even-song. Storms may darken in the morning, And eclipse the sun's bright dawning, And the chilly gloom prolong. But though clouds may screen and hide it The sun shines for evermore; Then bear grief in hope: abide it, Knowing that it must give o'er: And the darkness shall flee from us, And the sun beam down upon us Ever glowing more and more. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...TO A CASTILIAN SONG by SARA TEASDALE AT FREDERICKSBURG [DECEMBER 13, 1862] by JOHN BOYLE O'REILLY TO THE UNKNOWN EROS: BOOK 1: 3. WINTER by COVENTRY KERSEY DIGHTON PATMORE L.E.L. by CHRISTINA GEORGINA ROSSETTI SORROWS AND CONSOLATIONS by ANNA LETITIA BARBAULD THE POWERFUL by WILLIAM ROSE BENET |