TIME AND AFTER TIME.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXVI, Issue 12, 14 January 1905, Page 9

TIME AND AFTER TIME.

There's a Time that has _HM_e_» And is hastening fast Into the dreary and dark Long Ago. It leaves in its wake. Ah! how many an ache! And how many a black, bitter __*? There's a Time that has pas__ed, And is hastening fast To rhe dear old sweet Long Ago. Still it perfumes the air With a fragrance that's raret, And has left, in the heart a warm glow, This Time that took flight ..-- In the dead of the night, And silently stole away, Is close to us still. With Its good, and it» 111, For. it is bnt Yesterday. There's a Time that has come With the beat of a drum, To trouble, to toil, and to strife. It brings each a share Of pain and of care, And the wearisome burdens e-f __feThere's a Time that has coxae, T With a cheerful hum, And it came with the morning bright. It brings to each one Some gleam of the sun Of happiness, comfort, and light. This Time, with its change, And infinite range Of all th:it is mournful and gay; With its dirge, nnd Its song. As it passes along. Is the Present, and with us T«-__y. There's a Time just ahead. With a drill, heavy tread. And a load of forebodings and care. On its brow there is gloom, The dark portent, of Doom. And we wait it in dread and despair. There'? a Time just ahead. With a liprbt. jocund tread, Aud decked bright opening flowers. As we staud at the gate, We impatiently wait For the joys that so soon will be arm. This Time, now so near, Full of Hope, or of Fear. To some bringing joy. to some sorrow; May come with a breath _ tlf Life, o- of Death: WfcHi, we know uot; for it is To-morrow. A d;iy may yet shiiiv 4 Willi splendour Divine. When Tim*? hsis been lost to the sight; When troubles are o'er: When imiu ii- no more. And Evil has fled before Right. A Time may yet dawn. Whose _riorious morn bhaU si waken tho weary and faint; Wii»ii conflict shall ei>ase, In Peace, perfect Peace, For the sinner, as well as the ssaint. What -may be in store. When Time Is no more. Bur is merged in Eternity's nearing. I know not. nor grieve, Bnt simply belieye. I shall meet it with calmness, not fearing. It may bring a song. Melodious and strong. Of Life, and of bliss, ending nevej_» It may bring a sleep. Unbroken and deep. And lasting for Ever aud Erer, WILLIAM COOPER. Avandale South. Auckland. N.Z.. January. 1905.