A little stream that danced and played all day
Upon its rough and ever winding way,
Like some young child, upon his mother’s breast,
Soon neared the tide and calmed itself to rest.
A little flower that nodded here and there,
At every passing breeze, in daylight fair,
When sunset splendor lingered o’er the hill
Sent forth its fragrance and at last was still.
A little bird that built her airy nest
Nor thought in sunny hours to pause and rest,
Sang sweeter songs to cheer the passer by
When light was fading in the distant sky.
A man, who thro’ life’s day had toiled and wept,
When life was o’er lay down in peace and slept;
He, who had borne the burden of the day,
Found sunset glories flooding all his way.
Peace comes from God, and rest is sure and sweet
To those who bear life’s burden and its heat;
Sweet, starry twilight calms that manly soul
That strives by toil to reach Heaven’s distant goal.