Life And I

Life came to me at Morning; (And oh, his eyes were kind!) With flowers my head adorning; But I was blind. With tender care he laid me In Love’s uplifted arms, That gently held and stayed me Through all alarms.

We quarreled--Life and I--one day, Because he took the arms away,-- Yet then it was I learned to pray.

Life came to me at Nooning, And scattered roses red; But when soft winds blew crooning, They all lay dead. With tears and wild upbraiding, I railed at Life and Fate, Nor saw the blooms unfading-- Beside my gate.

We walked estranged then--Life and I-- Because he let the roses die; Nor wot I of the bending sky.

Life came to me at Gloaming (And oh, his eyes were blest!) I knew ’twas time for homing, For peace and rest. I took his hand outreaching, And drew a raptured breath; When lo--his smile beseeching-- I saw--’twas death.

So Life and I are winging free, Reclothed--with Immortality; I loving Life, Life loving me.