At the Bars of Memory and Other Poems/Life

by Andrew Francis Lockhart

LIFE

Just a little night-time.
An' then—the fadin' stars.
A golden sheen
An' blue between
The crimson mornin' bars!

Just an hour o' sunshine,
An' just an hour o' gloom.
Just a few tears
Then fleetin' years,
An' then—the narrow room!

Just a little sadness,
A moment o' regret;
An' then comes peace—
Our labors cease—
The sun of day has set!

Thus give our measur'd moments
Essence o' joy an' pain;
An' may we feel
Come woe or weal,
Life is ne'er liv'd in vain!