The Evening and the Morning
“At Evening time it shall be light.”—Bible.
“The evening twilight of this life meets the morning twilight of the next and they kiss each other.”—L. H. F.
When Life’s evening twilight gathers
Darkling shadows from the tomb,
Then a bright celestial morning
Kisses back the gathering gloom;
Robed in beauty’s bright adorning
This aurora—dawning glory,
Kisses back the gathering gloom.
When the crimson tide is throbbing
With the hopes that wildly mount,
And the sensuous soul is drinking
From enjoyment’s sparkling fount,
Then the thoughts will turn with shrinking
From the coming of life’s gloaming—
Death seems then a Stygian fount.
But when life’s weary day is closing—
When the lengthening shadows fall,
Sweetly singing angel voices
Come with blessing in their call!
The departing soul rejoices
With prevision, of Elysian,
Gladly welcoming the call.
As the spirit fetters loosen
And the soul gains greater height,
It will see the evening shadows
Meet and kiss the dawning light;
And, dispelling all the shadows,
This supernal life eternal,
Opens into morning light.
Aye, the golden gates swing open!
To reveal the splendors bright;
From His throne the glory streaming
Haloes Death with holy light;
Angels voicing their rejoicing—
Heaven’s mansions brightly gleaming,
Flood Life’s evening time with light.