BESIDE us in our seeking after pleasures, Through all our restless striving after fame, Through all our search for worldly gains and treasures, There walketh one whom no man likes to name. Silent he follows, veiled of form and feature, Indifferent if we sorrow or rejoice, Yet that day comes when every living creature Must look upon his face and hear his voice. When that day comes to you, and Death, unmasking, Shall bar your path, and say, "Behold the end," What are the questions that he will be asking About your past? Have you considered, friend? I think he will not chide you for your sinning, Nor for your creeds or dogmas will he care; He will but ask, "From your life's first beginning How many burdens have you helped to bear?" | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...TO THE RIVER CHARLES by HENRY WADSWORTH LONGFELLOW FOOTLIGHT MOTIFS: 3. GABY DESLYS by FRANKLIN PIERCE ADAMS TO HIS WIFE by DECIMUS MAGNUS AUSONIUS FRAGMENT (2) by ANNA LETITIA BARBAULD THE FLAME-BRIDE by WILLIAM ROSE BENET ASCENDING FOOTSTEPS by JOSEPHINE BYINGTON ADVICE TO THE REVERENDS ON THEIR PREACHING SLOWLY by JOHN BYROM |