'Never a palinode!' -- 'Q.' LIFE, like a page unpenned, Spreads out its whiteness; Nothing, from end to end, Marring its brightness. Surely a field to claim Steadfast endeavour? Where one might win a name Sounding for ever? Now -- to review it all -- What a prosaic, Forced, ineffectual, Paltry mosaic! Plans that ne'er found a base; Wingless upyearning; Speed that ne'er won the race; Fire without burning; Doubt never set at rest Stifle or falter it; Good that was not the best... Yet -- would you alter it? Yet -- would you tread again All the road over? Face the old joy and pain -- Hemlock and clover? Yes. For it still was good, Good to be living; Buoyant of heart and blood; Fighting, forgiving; Glad for the earth and sky; Glad -- for mere gladness; Grateful, one knew not why, Even for sadness; Finding the ray of hope Gleam through distresses; Building a larger scope Out from successes; Blithe to the close, and still Tendering ever, Both for the Good and Ill, Thanks to the GIVER. So, though the script is slow, Blurred though the line is, Let the poor record go Onward to Finis. 1913. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...THADDEUS STEVENS by PHOEBE CARY THE EXCHANGE by SAMUEL TAYLOR COLERIDGE THE WHITE CASCADE by WILLIAM HENRY DAVIES THE WIND (2) by EMILY DICKINSON THE COUNTY OF MAYO by THOMAS LAVELLE SUMMER (2) by CHRISTINA GEORGINA ROSSETTI IDYLLS OF THE KING: THE PASSING OF ARTHUR by ALFRED TENNYSON |