In The Twilight

As we grow oíd, our yesterdays Seem Tery dira and distant; We grope, as those in darkened ways, Tnrough all that is existent; Yet far-off days shine bright and clear With suue that long have faded, And faces dead seem strangelv near To tliose that lite has shadea. As we grow oíd our tears are few I'or friends most lately taken, But fall - as falls the sutnnier dew Fiom roses lightly shaken - When some chance word or idle straln, The chords of memory sweeping, Dnlock the flood-gates of our pain For those who taught us weeping. As we grow oíd, our smiles are rare To those who greet us daily, Ür, if some liviug faces wear The looks that beamed so gayly From eyes long closed, and we should smile ín answer to their wooing, 'Tis but th'3 Past that shines the while Our power to smile renewing. As we grow oíd, our dreams at night Are never of the morrow; They come with vanished pleasure bright, Cr dark with olden sorrow; And when we wake, the ñames we say Are not of any mortals, But of those in some long dead day Fassed through life's sunset's portáis.