Classic Poem

In sad constrained and tedious hours
Time lingers on—and day by day
Soul—body—hopes—affections—powers
Sink by a slow but sure decay!

And this is life! … a living death,
Whose loss I well might count a gain,
Since it is but unwilling breath,
And sensibility to pain!

So be it! … In a few short years
The burning brain's last throb is o'er,
And the heart's ashes quench'd in tears
Emit their caustic fire no more!

So let it be! … in silent gloom
I see and I abide my fate! …
If this is life, the closing tomb
Will but shut out a world I hate!