OH, weary heart! thou'rt half-way home! We stand on life's meridian height -- As far from childhood's morning come, As to the grave's forgetful night. Give Youth and Hope a parting tear -- Look onward with a placid brow -- Hope promised but to bring us here, And Reason takes the guidance now -- One backward look -- the last -- the last! One silent tear -- for @3Youth is past@1! Who goes with Hope and Passion back? Who comes with me and Memory on? Oh, lonely looks the downward track -- Joy's music hush'd -- Hope's roses gone! To Pleasure and her giddy troop Farewell, without a sigh or tear! But heart gives way, and spirits droop, To think that Love may leave us here! Have we no charm when Youth is flown -- Midway to death left sad and lone! Yet stay! -- as 'twere a twilight star That sends its thread across the wave, I see a brightening light, from far, Steal down a path beyond the grave! And now -- bless God! -- its golden line Comes o'er -- and lights my shadowy way -- And shows the dear hand clasp'd in mine! But, list what those sweet voices say! @3The better land's in sight, And, by its chastening light, All love from life's midway is driven, Save hers whose clasped hand will bring the on to heaven@1! | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...THE CRY OF THE CHILDREN by ELIZABETH BARRETT BROWNING PEEWEE by ALFRED FRANCIS KREYMBORG A BALLAD OF LIFE by ALGERNON CHARLES SWINBURNE IMPROMPTU ON CHARLES II (2) by JOHN WILMOT THE DIFFERENCE by THOMAS BAILEY ALDRICH BRUCE: HOW THE BRUCE CROSSED LOCH LOMOND by JOHN BARBOUR |