Dora Sigerson Shorter

“ And the World were good to love in,” said the youth,
⁠“But for the tears.”
“The World were good to die in,” said the aged,
“When lost years come to haunt you with their groans.
⁠When dead dreams won't be stilled.
⁠And hopes long unfulfilled
Beat on your bleeding heart nor heed its moans. ”

“ BUT FOR THE TEARS.
‘The World were a place to play in,’ said the children
‘The play-ground of the present; all that is have we,
⁠No past is ours to sorrow,
⁠No clouding thought of morrow,
And joy is slow in passing where we be.
With knowledge of a soul’s right scarce awake. ”