Celia Thaxter

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.
Other works by Celia Thaxter...



Top