Classic Poem

After a little while,
When all the glories of the night and day
Have fled for aye;
From Friendship's glance and Beauty's winsome smile,
I pass away,
After a little while.


After a little while,
The snow will fall from time and trial shocks,
Down these dark locks;
Then gliding onward to the Golden Isle,
I pass the rocks,
After a little while.


After a little while,
Perchance, when Youth is blazoned on my brow,
As Hope is now,
I fade and quiver in this dim defile,
A fruitless bough,
After a little while.


After a little while,
And clouds that shimmer on the robes of June
And vestal moon
No more my vagrant fancies can beguile —
I slumber soon,
After a little while.


After a little while,
The birds will serenade in bush and tree,
But not for me;
On billows duskier than the gloomy Nile
My barque must be —
After a little while.


After a little while,
The cross will glisten and the thistles wave
Above my grave,
And planets smile;
Sweet Lord! then pillowed on Thy gentle breast,
I fain would rest,
After a little while.