man

The Doomed — regard the Sunrise
With different Delight –
Because — when next it burns abroad
They doubt to witness it –

The Man — to die — tomorrow –
Harks for the Meadow Bird –
Because its Music stirs the Axe
That clamors for his head –

Joyful — to whom the Sunrise
Precedes Enamored — Day –
Joyful — for whom the Meadow Bird
Has ought but Elegy!

You’re right — “the way is narrow” –
And “difficult the Gate” –
And “few there be” — Correct again –
That “enter in — thereat” –

‘Tis Costly — So are purples!
‘Tis just the price of Breath –
With but the “Discount” of the Grave –
Termed by the Brokers — “Death”!

And after that — there’s Heaven –
The Good Man’s — “Dividend” –
And Bad Men — “go to Jail” –
I guess –

I lost a World — the other day!
Has Anybody found?
You’ll know it by the Row of Stars
Around its forehead bound.

A Rich man — might not notice it –
Yet — to my frugal Eye,
Of more Esteem than Ducats –
Oh find it — Sir — for me!

Musicians wrestle everywhere –
All day — among the crowded air
I hear the silver strife –
And — waking — long before the morn –
Such transport breaks upon the town
I think it that “New Life”!

If is not Bird — it has no nest –
Nor “Band” — in brass and scarlet — drest –
Nor Tamborin — nor Man –
It is not Hymn from pulpit read –
The “Morning Stars” the Treble led
On Time’s first Afternoon!

Some — say — it is “the Spheres” — at play!
Some say that bright Majority
Of vanished Dames — and Men!
Some — think it service in the place
Where we — with late — celestial face –
Please God — shall Ascertain!