Poems (Vadlan)/Evening Gifts

by Elaine Vadlan

EVENING GIFTS

Every day the shadows deepen,
As the evening draweth nigh;
Bringing countless throngs home-laden,
With tired thoughts and saddened eye.

Each has borne his daily burden,
Some so light and some so tried,
Each one reaps as home he hastens,
Love so dear from his fire-side.

Then, the crowd in varied pleasures,
Some fond favour, seek to find,
Some go forth again to seek for
Food to satisfy the mind.

Others round the house-tree gather,
Some to read the golden rule;
Some recline in friendships bower,
Others study for earth's school.

When all days have thus been ended,
When all time has closed its door
Each will thus his record enter
Over on the other shore.