After

A little time for laughter,
A little time to sing,
A little time to kiss and cling,
And no more kissing after.

II.

A little while for scheming
Love's unperfected schemes;
A little time for golden dreams,
Then no more any dreaming.

III.

A little while 't was given
To me to have thy love;
Now, like a ghost, alone I move

About a ruined heaven.
A little time for speaking,
Things sweet to say and hear;

A time to seek, and find thee near,
Then no more any seeking.
A little time for saying

Words the heart breaks to say;
A short, sharp time wherein to pray,
Then no more need for praying;

VI.

But long, long years to weep in,
And comprehend the whole
Great grief that desolates the soul;
And eternity to sleep in.