POEM: THE GIFT OF LIFE

Life is a night all dark and wild,

Yet still stars shine:

This moment is a star, my child -

Your star and mine.

Life is a desert dry and drear,

Undewed, unblest;

This hour is an oasis, dear;

Here let us rest.

Life is a sea of windy spray,

Cold, fierce and free:

An isle enchanted is to-day

For you and me.

Forget night, sea, and desert: take

The gift supreme,

And, of life's brief relenting, make

A deathless dream.