Philosophy
SO soon the end must come,
Why waste in sighs our breath?
So soon our lips are dumb,
So swift comes death.
So brief the time to smile,
Why darken we the air
With frowns and tears, the while
We nurse despair?
Hold firm the suffering will
And bravely thrust it back;
Fight with the powers of ill,
The legions black.
Stand in the sunshine sweet
And treasure every ray,
Nor seek with stubborn feet
The darksome way.
Have courage! Keep good cheer!
Our longest time is brief.
To those who hold you dear
Bring no more grief.
But cherish blisses small,
Grateful for least delight
That to your lot doth fall,
However slight.
And lo! all hearts will bring
Love, to make glad your days:
Blessings untold will spring
About your ways.
So shall life bloom and shine,
Lifted its pain above,
Crowned with this gift divine,
The gift of Love.
