Poems (Bushnell)/Once Upon a Time

by Frances Louisa Bushnell

X ONCE UPON A TIME

Once upon a time, life lay before me,
 Fresh as a story untold;
Now so many years have traveled o'er me,
 I and my story are old.

Once upon a time my locks fell flowing,
 Brown as yours and as bright;
Now so many winters coming and going
 Have left them, you see, snow-white.

Once upon a time I, too, had a lover,
 Gallant and full of grace;
Now do you think, dear, you can discover
 Him in Grandpapa's face?

Once upon a time I thought it living
 Only to draw my breath;
Now I've learned that it means a striving
 Sometimes even to death.

Once upon a time I fell to weeping
 If but my wish was crossed;
Now I can trust to a better keeping,
 Even if all seem lost.

Once upon a time it looked so dreary
 Ever to wait and rest;
Now, at last, I'm a little weary,
 Resting awhile seems best,—

Waiting awhile, till the great to-morrow
 Over the hilltops climb.
Joy is forever. Thank God, dear, that sorrow
 Only is once upon a time.