Poems (Sharpless)/Discontented
DISCONTENTED
"Life is commonplace, and tame"— So I heard a damsel say;—"Every week so much the same, A dull monotone of gray:—I would have it all aflame With rich hues, and colors gay.
"Love, and Joy, and Pride should shine, E'en tho' sombre shades were there;Mystic glooms,—this life of mine Should then show, oh wondrous fair!But instead I only twine Threads of stupid household care."
But when Time his hand had laid On bright hair, and glancing eye,When Pride, Grief, and Passion played With the heart that throbbed so high,With the future all dismayed, Thus I heard the poor heart cry:—
"Ah me! for the early years! Smiling 'neath love's gentle light!When my tears were as the tears Of a dreaming child at night,Waking, to find phantom fears Vanished in the sunshine bright."