Life's joys and sorrows rise and ever wane On the horizon of our nights and days; Whether we see them come and go or not We feel the passing of their searing blaze. Anger we know, -- and chagrin, -- and remorse; Ambition flaunts its banners in our face; The empty halls of power ring to our stride, Sometimes, for a brief space. But never long do any of these remain; And even love is but a passing flare. Immortal Loves are few and far between, And even lasting friendship oft is rare. Still, were a wish of mine to be fulfilled -- One favor giv'n to even up the score --, I'd ask but lasting friendliness with you, Just that, and nothing more. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...SONNET TO LAKE LEMAN by GEORGE GORDON BYRON THE STIRRUP-CUP by JOHN MILTON HAY THE VICTOR AT ANTIETAM [SEPTEMBER 17, 1862] by HERMAN MELVILLE A RECIPE FOR SALAD by SYDNEY SMITH PRAYER TO THE VIRGIN OF CHARTRES by HENRY BROOKS ADAMS |