LIFE.
Life is a race in which all compete,
Hastening onward with restless feet,
Eagerly striving for some great prize
That out in the hidden future lies:
The sturdy youth with visions bright,
The stalwart form of manhood’s might,
And tottering age, are borne along
In the mighty rush of the endless throng.
Like the waves of the sea that forever roll
’Tis a livelong race to an unseen goal;
But the prize is gained at the end of the strife,
For it lies just beyond this earthly life,
Where fears, tribulations and trials cease,
In the golden realms of eternal peace.
DREAM OF A FAIRY.
When all the air was filled with song
At morning’s early beam,
In musing mood I strolled along
Beside a placid stream.
And as I roved the meadow sweet,
What bade my heart rejoice?
Was it the daisies at my feet?
Nay, nor the songster’s voice.
For glancing toward the crystal stream
I spied a little child,
Upon whose brow the morning beam,
With all its beauty smiled:
And on her cheek, so wondrous fair,
I saw the ruddy glow,—
Beheld her locks of flaxen hair
Wave gently to and fro.