Poems (Clark)/The Upward Path

by Annie Maria Lawrence Clark

THE UPWARD PATH

I am sure that our way is no downward path,
 Where clustering shadows sleep,
Deeper and lower as age creeps on,
 And our pulses fainter beat.

But ever onward, upward and on,
 Toward the radiant mountain height,
Where glitter the pearly gates of home
 In the pure glad Eastern light.

We only seem to be growing old,
 For we know 'tis a beautiful truth,
We shall stand when we reach our Father's home
 In the strength of eternal youth.

So no matter if locks are thin and white,
 And we speak with faltering tongue,
It is only the mere outside that fades,
 For the soul is forever young.

The path may be rugged and narrow and steep,
 But above us the light shines clear,
And angel loved ones wait to speak
 Sweet words of welcoming cheer.