Thomas Bailey Aldrich (1836–1907)

I VEX me not with brooding on the years

That were ere I drew breath: why should I then

Distrust the darkness that may fall again

When life is done? Perchance in other spheres—

Dead planets—I once tasted mortal tears,

And walked as now among a throng of men,

Pondering things that lay beyond my ken,

Questioning death, and solacing my fears.

Ofttimes indeed strange sense have I of this,

Vague memories that hold me with a spell,

Touches of unseen lips upon my brow,

Breathing some incommunicable bliss!

In years foregone, O Soul, was all not well?

Still lovelier life awaits thee. Fear not thou!