The rays that first salute the morn -- That scatter pearls along their way, Are dim, like future yet unborn, But hopeful of the rising day Thus gems, and future promise too, Are dimly seen in childhood's years; They shoot from indications true, But still are wrapped in hopes and fears. The sun that tells meridian tide -- That sits enthroned in purest light -- That darts his beams on every side, Is full of majesty and might: Thus, who to middle life belong, May fling to view what first began In early hopes -- be wise, and strong, And good, and true to God and man. The sun that shoots to western main, With blazing banners full unfurled, And plunges there, to rise again, Bequeaths a lesson to the world: The man that sinks at last to rest, With ripened virtues full in bloom, Like sun that sinks beneath the West, Shall spring to life beyond the tomb. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...GOOD FRIDAY (1) by CHRISTINA GEORGINA ROSSETTI AGAINST INDIFFERENCE by CHARLES WEBBE EMBLEMS OF LOVE: 30. THE HUNTER CAUGHT BY HIS OWN GAMER by PHILIP AYRES BRITANNIA'S PASTORALS: BOOK 2. THE FIRST SONG by WILLIAM BROWNE (1591-1643) ON DREAMS by SAMUEL EGERTON BRYDGES |