Harriet Monroe, ed. (1860–1936). The New Poetry: An Anthology. 1917.
To an Old CoupleScudder Middleton
W
Death will answer to your nodding;
Like a friend he will come and find you,
Take you both and fold you from the sun.
What does it matter to you now
That no one thing was completed,
Not even a single task set the early heart
Achieved in fulness?
The years unravel the designs of youth,
Yet time brings at the last
The serene illusion of accomplishment.
When your two wrinkled hands meet in the night—
You know that all is well.
The door will open.