 | Poems and Lancashire Songs |  |
120
LIFE'S TWILIGHT.
I
Now silver threads begin to shineAmong my thinning hair;
And down the slope of life's decline
I thoughtfully repair.
The fire that once was in mine eyes
Has dimmed its fervid ray,
And every hour of life that flies,
Is stealing light away.
Oh, let me, with untroubled breast,
A while in shadow lie,
Before I lay me down to rest,
And bid the world “Good bye.”
121
II
With Time, that wrestler old and grim.I've had a gallant round;
But ah, there's little chance with him
Who bringeth all to ground.
Although the world still rolleth on
Its merry, motley way,
My little part of life is done,
Except to watch the play.
Then, let me, with untroubled breast,
A while in shadow lie,
Before I lay me down to rest,
And bid the world “Good bye.”
III
In youth, to pleasure's lightest trill,My heart leaped blithe and free;
Now, she may play what tune she will,
It is not so with me;
122
Across my furrowed brow,
My joys are all akin, I feel,
To contemplation now.
Then, let me, with untroubled breast,
A while in shadow lie,
Before I lay me down to rest,
And bid the world “Good bye.”
| Poems and Lancashire Songs | |