1829. E. P. K.
LIFE’S STAGES.
To the heart of trusting childhood life is all a gilded way,
Wherein a beam of sunny bliss forever seems to play;
It roams about delightedly through pleasure’s roseate bower,
And gaily makes a playmate, too, of every bird and flower;
Holds with the rushing of the winds companionship awhile,
And, on the tempest’s darkest brow, discerns a brightening smile,
Converses with the babbling waves, as on their way they wend,