LIFE'S CHEQUER-BOARD

A Chequer-Board of mingled Light and Shade?

And We the Pieces on it deftly laid?

Moved and removed, without a word to say,

By the Same Hand that Board and Pieces made?

No Pieces we in any Fateful Game,

Nor free to shift on Destiny the blame;

Each Soul doth tend its own immortal flame,

Fans it to Heaven, or smothers it in shame.