Rhymes of a Rolling Stone






A Song of Success

     Ho! we were strong, we were swift, we were brave.
     Youth was a challenge, and Life was a fight.
     All that was best in us gladly we gave,
     Sprang from the rally, and leapt for the height.
     Smiling is Love in a foam of Spring flowers:
     Harden our hearts to him — on let us press!
     Oh, what a triumph and pride shall be ours!
     See where it beacons, the star of success!

     Cares seem to crowd on us — so much to do;
     New fields to conquer, and time's on the wing.
     Grey hairs are showing, a wrinkle or two;
     Somehow our footstep is losing its spring.
     Pleasure's forsaken us, Love ceased to smile;
     Youth has been funeralled; Age travels fast.
     Sometimes we wonder:  is it worth while?
     There! we have gained to the summit at last.

     Aye, we have triumphed!  Now must we haste,
     Revel in victory . . . why! what is wrong?
     Life's choicest vintage is flat to the taste —
     Are we too late?  Have we laboured too long?
     Wealth, power, fame we hold . . . ah! but the truth:
     Would we not give this vain glory of ours
     For one mad, glad year of glorious youth,
     Life in the Springtide, and Love in the flowers.

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