The River-Of-Life

The river-of-life must smoothly flow,
By the hills of hope, its breast aglow
With the cheering light that softly streams,
From golden heights in the land of dreams.

The river-of-life will gently glide
On its ceaseless mission far and wide,
Its forceful current so true and deep
It will not pause at the vale-of-sleep.

The river-of-life runs gaily down
By the shining gates of pleasure-town
And carries our truant thoughts away
On the moment-freighted boat:--To-day.

The river-of-life, how fair it lies,
On the soul’s white map before our eyes;
It ripples on from the land we see
Into the beautiful land To-Be.