Going and Coming

Edward A. Jenks (1830–1908)

GOING—the great round Sun,

Dragging the captive Day

Over behind the frowning hill,

Over beyond the bay,—

Dying:

Coming—the dusky Night,

Silently stealing in,

Wrapping himself in the soft warm couch

Where the golden-haired Day hath been

Lying.

Going—the bright, blithe Spring;

Blossoms! how fast ye fall,

Shooting out of your starry sky

Into the darkness all

Blindly!

Coming—the mellow days:

Crimson and yellow leaves;

Languishing purple and amber fruits

Kissing the bearded sheaves

Kindly!

Going—our early friends;

Voices we loved are dumb;

Footsteps grow dim in the morning dew;

Fainter the echoes come

Ringing:

Coming to join our march,—

Shoulder to shoulder pressed,—

Gray-haired veterans strike their tents

For the far-off purple West—

Singing!

Going—this old, old life;

Beautiful world, farewell!

Forest and meadow! river and hill!

Ring ye a loving knell

O’er us!

Coming—a nobler life;

Coming—a better land;

Coming—a long, long, nightless day;

Coming—the grand, grand

Chorus!