THE GOAL.

Marlborough Express, Volume XLII, Issue 247, 17 October 1908, Page 6

THE GOAL.

She knocked at the Paradise-gate, She twirled at the golden pin. "Who is this that cometh so late, And thinks to be let in?'.' "Ah! keep me not here without, Open quickly!" she cried, "For there are those that need me, need me-, Waiting just inside." Weary she was and worn, Her knees and her shoulders bent With the leaden burden of years forlorn, ' All in vanity spent. But she leapt like a yearling doe Across the threshold of lightShe flew to the arm that drew her, drew her, As a homing dove takes flight. One was clasping her wrist, And one was grasping her gown; To one that cried to be kissed Tenderly stooped she down, As a bird dutspreadeth its wings, . She gathered them closely in— " Now is the time, 0 Children, children, When life shall at last begin!"