Poems (Angier)/Our Birthdays
OUR BIRTHDAYS.
Our birthdays! solemn birthdays, Time's sentinels they stand,While each from out his watch-tower cries The foe is close at hand;These mentors mark Death's onward march, Monition kindly given,Life's mile-stones—may they record bear, We're one year nearer heaven.
What, though across our pilgrim-path, Dark clouds and shadows steal?To Faith's keen eye these phantoms grim Bright angel forms reveal;Care, pain, and grief, they Heaven-sent come, On faded brows to bind,Celestial flowers of love and trust With Hope's sweet buds entwined.
Then sorrow not to see the years Go speeding on their way;Ask not to check them in their flight, Nor bid a moment stay; Our birthdays benedictions are, A consecrated boon;Thrice welcome, like the mellow light Of Autumn's harvest-moon.
Our birthdays! happy birthdays, They friendly beacons proveTo cheer the world-worn traveller, And chide him should he rove;They speak, as did the burning bush, To listening prophet's car;And wise are they who reverent turn As well to heed as hear.
Our birthdays! solemn birthdays, Time's sentinels they stand,While each from out his watch-tower cries The foe is close at hand;These mentors mark Death's onward march, Monition kindly given;Life's mile-stones—may they record bear We're one year nearer heaven.