Classic Poem

We shall survey our lives, when life is past,
With strange transfigured vision, — when at last
The whole before us gleams.
We shall say, " Here a victory was ours:
Here gathered we sweet wealth of passion's flowers:
Here love's eyes filled our dreams. "

Yes, all shall then be changed, and yet the same.
The fiery current of the sun's red flame
Shall still dart down the air:
The flowers shall lavish fragrance on the breeze,
And still Spring's kiss shall greet the lilac-trees
In London street and square.

Yet, as we look, how changed ourselves shall be!
With how far different glances shall we see
The house-tops veiled in smoke:
With what far other eyes shall we behold
The sunset struggle with its soot-grimed gold
Through city plane and oak.

Here loved we; here we suffered; here we won
A noble victory; were here undone,
Were here restored and saved: —
Such thoughts upon the souls with which we rise
Through sullied smoke-spheres to the spotless skies
Shall be past change engraved.