LIFE AND NATURE

I passed through the gates of the city,

The streets were strange and still,

Through the doors of the open churches

The organs were moaning shrill.

Through the doors and the great high windows

I heard the murmur of prayer,

And the sound of their solemn singing

Streamed out on the sunlit air;

A sound of some great burden

That lay on the world's dark breast,

Of the old, and the sick, and the lonely,

And the weary that cried for rest.

[20]

I strayed through the midst of the city

Like one distracted or mad.

"Oh, Life! Oh, Life!" I kept saying,

And the very word seemed sad.

I passed through the gates of the city,

And I heard the small birds sing,

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