DARK is the cloud which hov’ring o’er the mind,
Shades the bright promises of early youth;
Nips all its blossoms, blights the tender bud,
Throws midnight darkness on the opening day,
Checks the career of sensibility,
And where the tear of sympathy would flow
For others’ sorrows, bids us feel our own.
But wrapp’d in present darkness comes the seed
Of future good, which dropping in the heart,
Shall grow and flourish ‘mid surrounding gloom,
Bearing the fruits of patience and of hope.
Hope leads us forward to the gates of heav’n,
And leave the clouds behind. The present scene,
Blasted and wither’d as the barren heath,
Can boast no blossoms to attract the eye;
When poverty surrounds our dark abode,
No fair alluring pleasures smile upon us,
Or lead us in the uncertain paths of time,
To chase the fly that’s ever on the wing.
The joys which in prosperity would shine,
And decorate the pilgrim’s path to heaven,
By poverty subdued, removed from earth,
Exalted glitter as the stars above,
And deck futurity’s extended field.
Religion is that solitary light,
Which with a steady neverwav’ring beam,
Shines on the poor man’s path, and brighter shines
As we approach the confines of the world,
Till in the blaze of neverending day,
It mingles, and increasing burns for ever.
(Elizabeth Bath)
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Based on Topics: World Poems, Light Poems, Mind Poems, Sadness Poems, Time Poems, Joy & Excitement Poems, Youth Poems, Heaven Poems, Hope Poems, Money & Wealth Poems, Work & Career PoemsBased on Keywords: hov, sensibility, nips, blights, decorate, neverending