AS, with enforc'd yet unreluctant pace We downward move along life's westward slope, Slow fades the once bright gleam of personal hope, And larger looms the future of the race; Our wistful eyes the goodly prospect trace, Seen through a haze of forecast; there outspread Lie the fair fields our children's feet shall tread When we have passed to our abiding place. Oh! sons and daughters of the coming age, Give worthy meed of gratitude and praise To those true souls who, in less happy days, Have lived for others -- most of all for you, -- Have stored the wealth which is your heritage, And plann'd the work it will be yours to do. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...COUNSEIL TO A BACHELER by MARIANNE MOORE SILVER by WALTER JOHN DE LA MARE A TERRE (BEING THE PHILOSOPHY OF MANY SOLDIERS) by WILFRED OWEN THE SWING by ROBERT LOUIS STEVENSON TO THE GARDEN THE WORLD by WALT WHITMAN THE SHRINE OF VENUS by ANTIPATER OF SIDON THE LAST MAN: MIDNIGHT HYMN by THOMAS LOVELL BEDDOES |