Some find work where some find rest, And so the weary world goes on: I sometimes wonder which is best; The answer comes when life is gone. Some eyes sleep when some eyes wake, And so the dreary night-hours go; Some hearts beat where some hearts break; I often wonder why 'tis so. Some wills faint where some wills fight, Some love the tent, and some the field; I often wonder who are right -- The ones who strive, or those who yield? Some hands fold where other hands Are lifted bravely in the strife; And so thro' ages and thro' lands Move on the two extremes of life. Some feet halt where some feet tread, In tireless march, a thorny way; Some struggle on where some have fled; Some seek when others shun the fray. Some swords rust where others clash, Some fall back where some move on; Some flags furl where others flash Until the battle has been won. Some sleep on while others keep The vigils of the true and brave: They will not rest till roses creep Around their name above a grave. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...THE SEMANTICS OF FLOWERS ON MEMORIAL DAY by BOB HICOK WHEN I RISE UP by GEORGIA DOUGLAS JOHNSON THE BLOSSOM, FR. SONGS OF INNOCENCE by WILLIAM BLAKE ODE TO MASTER ANTHONY STAFFORD [TO HASTEN HIM INTO COUNTRY] by THOMAS RANDOLPH MAIDEN MELANCHOLY by RAINER MARIA RILKE TWICE by CHRISTINA GEORGINA ROSSETTI |