Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, MUSINGS, by EDWARD HEBENTON


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

MUSINGS, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: In days bygone mayhap I dream'd the laurel might be mine
Last Line: I know not, nor would I aspire to higher form of bliss.
Subject(s): Aging; Muses; Past


IN days bygone mayhap I dream'd the laurel might be mine,
While yet Parnassus hill I deem'd within my power to climb.
But then life's sky was brightly blue, and rosy-colour'd hope
Still beckon'd on, no height in view with which I could not cope.

Ah, me! 'twas but the strength of youth, as yet by cares untried --
The ignorance of the hard ruth that might in time betide.
Ah, me! I am not sighing now o'er these bright vanish'd dreams;
I reck them not, though life, I trow, a shade more sober seems.

I am but musing on the past, when youth, in fever-heat,
Sought not to know its joys would last, provided they were sweet.
I am but musing on the past -- on what alone I'd sought,
Ere yet my mind had taken cast from life's maturer thought.

'Tis not, I ween, a crime to glance at days of long ago;
Such retrospect tends to enhance the present joys we know.
And, therefore, though my thoughts may turn back to the days of
'Tis not that I the present spurn, or what may be in store. [yore,

Ah, no! mine are not vain regrets; and for the future, why?
I'll leave its working with the Fates, nor in it seek to pry.
Enough for me it is to feel the clasp of kindly hand;
Or meet the glances that reveal those sympathies that stand

Unlessen'd 'midst the woes of life, untouch'd by all its cares,
And prove whate'er its moils and strife, heart to heart pity bears.
Enough! What more could one desire to fill his cup than this?
I know not, nor would I aspire to higher form of bliss.





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