Classic Poem

When I grow grey and men shall say to me,
" What was the worth of living, truly told? —
Lo! thou hast lived thy life out; thou art old;
Thou hast gathered fruit from many a green-leafed tree,
And kissed love's lips by many a summer sea,
And twined soft hands in locks of shining gold: —
But all thy days are dead days now, behold!
Life passes onward, — what is life to thee? "

Then will I answer, — as thy gracious eyes,
Love, gleam upon me from dim far-off skies, —
" Life had its endless deathless charm, — and still
That charm weaves rapture round me at my will.
Life has its glory: — for I have seen Thee ;
And roses, — and June sunsets, — and the sea. "