Part 2 — AFTER
Reading edition
A little time for laughter, A little time to sing, A little time to kiss and cling, And no more kissing after.
A little while for scheming Love's unperfected schemes; A little time for golden dreams, Then no more any dreaming.
A little while 'twas 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 of praying;
But long, long years to weep in, And comprehend the whole Great grief that desolates the soul, And eternity to sleep in.
Philip Bourke Marston [1850-1887]