The Kinder Shore

Time and tide forever may come and go
But I will go this way nevermore…
Not so, on my soul I pray, let it not be so!
But if that be it, and the world yet stays—
My imagination, Oh, the games it plays—
Let me relive the pleasant days of yore.

If I could, I would just stay awhile or so
Where grief relents, changes are no more
and proclaim this with a happy heart also:
Henceforward I tread in measured ways
preparing for death until my end of days
and upon departing I find a kinder shore.