To-Day and Yesterday.
Life is not lived by days nor yet by years ;1
These come and go, or haply, sometimes stay,2
As Time his changes rings ; and if To-day3
Lingers relentlessly when fraught with fears,4
If perfect harmonies and smiles it hears5
In one short moment—Lo ! ’tis Yesterday.6
And reverently the joy or pain we lay7
Safe in the Past’s dear shrine with unshed tears.8
So, when the deepest chords of Life vibrate9
And quiver ’neath the master-hand of Pain10
Or Ecstasy, our quickened breath we bate,11
And listen, hoping that perchance some strain12
Of heaven’s own music soothe, ere ’tis too late,13
The troubled waters of Life’s boundless main.14