The flower that smiles to-day To-morrow dies; All that we wish to stay Tempts and then flies. What is this world's delight? Lightning that mocks the night, Brief even as bright. Virtue, how frail it is! Friendship how rare! Love, how it sells poor bliss For proud despair! But we, though soon they fall, Survive their joy, and all Which ours we call. Whilst skies are blue and bright, Whilst flowers are gay, Whilst eyes that change ere night Make glad the day; Whilst yet the calm hours creep, Dream thou -- and from thy sleep Then wake to weep. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...SPOON RIVER ANTHOLOGY: JOHN CABANIS by EDGAR LEE MASTERS MEMOIR OF A PROUD BOY by CARL SANDBURG HIDE AND SEEK by SARA TEASDALE EPITAPH IN BALLADE FORM by FRANCOIS VILLON SONGS FOR MY MOTHER: 3. HER WORDS by ANNA HEMPSTEAD BRANCH BEAUTY MAKES US HAPPY by PHILIP AYRES EN TOUR; A SONG SEQUENCE: 3. GENOA by ALBERTA BANCROFT THE KNIGHT AND THE LADY; DOMESTIC LEGEND OF THE REIGN OF QUEEN ANNE by RICHARD HARRIS BARHAM |