The Dolor and Delight

How shall I remember
When these ashes fall to earth
And dust to dust returns
And my works remain only memories
Forgot by all but those who love me,
And God, who knows me;
How shall I remember this life?

Life’s comedy weds Joy and Sadness;
Pleasure is mingled with Pain,
And though few find it any good,
Fewer wish to leave it.
For death is the end of life,
The end of hope, of possibility.
Man’s chances lost, his future set.

Sing, my soul, the dolor and delight;
Laugh by day, mourn all the night,
And with a tearful smile greet the light.
Take your chances, though you may lose all;
Dance the wedding dance, and bear the pall.
Live for the lives of others, great and small.

Eternity approaches.
What is this small space of time?
A clock turns, and a man stands musing,
Watching his life tick by,
At the rate of sixty seconds a minute.
Is he himself eternal? What does he make,
Standing there watching the clock?

Time ends for every man,
And all that’s left, is Love.