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.