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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THE DIALPLATE OF LIFE, by                    
First Line: Each eve the shadows eastward fall
Last Line: "I ask myself: ""what does life mean?"
Subject(s): Life


Each eve the shadows eastward fall,
Life's echoes linger over all;
Exultant birds crouch down to sleep,
And all is wrapped in myst'ry deep.

Each morn the shadows reappear,
The new-born day brings good cheer;
In ev'ry clime is toil begun
By ev'ry race beneath the sun.

Each night, at rest; each morn, at work,
(Except by those who daily shirk);
Death ends it all—strange though, it seem;
We ask ourselves: "What does Life mean?"

I'm now fifteen: my shadow falls—
("Ninety degrees!" the Dial calls).
Childhood is spent; I've just begun
The race of life which I must run.

Thirty today: the hilltop's reached;
My shadow's temporar'ly ceased;
I look around from east to west;
I'm filled with hope, I cannot rest.

The Dial calls across the span:
"This is life's noon; take heed, young man:
"Look yonder o'er the glitt'ring lees,
"Before you lies one-half your degrees!"

An inclined plane before me lies;
I'm starting down it: how time flies!
Just forty-five: the remainder's least;
My shadow falls toward the east.

Could I retrace my steps right now,
God knows I'd do it anyhow;
But destiny forbids retreat;
I dare not turn: 'twould mean defeat.

My three-score years have now passed by;
Faint shadows flicker 'gainst life's sky:
Still tott'ring on to'rd pastures green,
I ask myself: "What does Life mean?"





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