Miami Woods : a golden wedding and other poems

The keystone of the arch of Life, is now
Beneath me. Thoughtfully I hence survey
What is to be, and what has been, and bow
My head in deep humility, and lay
My pride in dust, that with my willing mind,
And with my vigorous arm, and with my heart
As strong, I've done so little for my kind,
And less for God ... Here Life's two eras part:
The past, MY past, I count but little worth:
I've fell'd the forest, broken up the earth,
And gathered here a seed, and there a root,
Of flower, and grain, and berry-bearing shoot;
But all was purpose—preparation—plan—
The small beginnings of Life's little span.
The FUTURE of my being is for toil:—
To plant the gathered germs, and till the soil,
And, without indolence or weak surcease,
Watch the quick growth, and help the large increase;
Then, as Life's circling seasons onward move,
To heap the bounteous summer's golden grain,
And autumn's fruitage, on the lumbering wain.
Grant me, Thou Mighty One who sitt'st above,
To sow the seeds of Truth, and reap the fruits of Love.

University of Virginia Library

Thirty-Five.