Deathward Ways

All men and women walk by various ways
To Death's dark land; and some with song and mirth
Beguile the time which lies 'twixt death and birth;
Some, joyous and full blooded, through a maze
Of splendid passionate nights and dreamy days.
Gain soon their goal; and some who find a dearth
Of joy in all, poor strangers on the earth,
Plod on their path, and yield nor prayer nor praise.

But, look you, I will walk with none of these,
I walk a straight and solitary path, —
A way which no sweet scent, or verdure hath;
And as I walk, like strong and rising seas,
I hear my whole past surging on my track,
And would return, yet never may go back.