AUTUMN LEAVES.
Reading edition
My life is like the autumn leaves Now falling fast, Which grew of late so fresh and fair— Too fair to last. The mar of earth and canker-worm The foliage bears; So my poor life of sin and care The impress wears. As shine the leaves before they fall With brighter hue, And each defect of worm and time Is lost to view, So may my life, when fading, shine With brighter ray, And brighter still as nearer to The perfect day. And as new life still springs again From fallen leaves, And richer life a thousand-fold From gathered sheaves; So, God, if aught in me was good, The good repeat, And let me from my ashes breathe An influence sweet.
W.