Poems (Ryan)/When Sadness Like a Gloomy Night

by Mary C. Ryan

WHEN SADNESS LIKE A GLOOMY NIGHT.

When sadness like a gloomy night
 Comes stealing o'er thy soul,
Oh! pause and think of time's swift flight,
 How soon you'll reach life's goal.
And though thy heart is ofttimes filled
 With burning griefs and cares,
Reflect; for God with wisdom willed
 This life be bathed in tears.

When weary here, toiling in vain,
 With soul that longs for rest,
Then falter not, if thou would'st gain
 A mansion with the blest.
It may be that love unrequited
 May often dim thine eye,
Yet onward press, though earth may fade,
 You'll get your meed on high.

Then nobly bear the cross of life,
 Whate'er it chance to be;
E'er bravely battle in the strife
 Until the soul is free.
Never repine o'er trifling woes.
 This world is but a span;
And life in ceaseless numbers flows,
 As when time first began.