I'VE lived my life some seventy weary years,
And, gathered up on my extreme verge of Time,
Lie looking with blind eyes on the dark sea
When I looked first at life as now at death
My eyes were like two suns shining in strength
That pierced with sudden glory all they saw.
And " I will live a glorious life, " I said,
" I will climb heights, I will shine out afar.
My " meant to be" complete in my " I am." "
I am — what am I? weary, sad, and old,
I've failed, am weary, failed, and sad, and old;
My light is quenched, 'tis dark, all dark within,
I look at death and death glooms back on me
Father, what is't? a voice — does it come from Thee,
Dost Thou remember? Canst Thou pity me?
" Each shall be all I meant in My great day,
Thou hast not failed, " God, do I hear Thee say,
" But seven times purified, art sevenfold dear,
And I've ten cities waiting for thee here. "