Poems (Sharpless)/To Time
For works with similar titles, see To Time.
TO TIME
Floating further and further from us, As we drift down life's stream,The beautiful visions of childhood Dissolve in a misty dream.
There were hopes that we fondly cherished, Of deeds we could do and dare;Do we ever know hopes so unselfish As those of our childhood were?
There were visions then, all unquestioned, By the simple trust of our youth,Of a world where every brow was clear, Where the lips only spoke the truth.
These were all things that have been, But lingeringly look we backOn those vanishing forms of beauty, While urging our onward track.
Oh! Time, we resign unto thee Those early loves of ours;There clingeth a fragrance round them yet, Tho' they be but withered flowers.
Our hopes, our ambition, blighted, By the world's all chilling breath,We resign to thee; but oh, leave us Our childhood's simple faith!
Leave us the faith that answers That Heaven lose not its light,That our soul be not affrighted By the perils of the night.
Leave us the faith that answers When storms threat to o'erwhelm;I cannot fear, my Father's hand Is steering at the helm.