WHAT of the glories after death, <br />When this frail form gives up its breath? <br />Why do we strive to understand <br />The Future when the Now's at hand? <br />What matters it to you and me <br />That o'er some dark mysterious sea <br />Whereon we all must sail some day, <br />Awaits a port where we must stay? <br /> <br />It is enough for me to know <br />A brighter place there is to go; <br />I ask not when will come my time, <br />Whether the road is hard to climb, <br />What glories there await for me; <br />I would not solve Death's mystery <br />And still live on — I am content <br />To live the life that God has sent. <br /> <br />Now is the problem that I strive <br />To solve, while I am yet alive; <br />What am I here for, what to do? <br />Am I unto my purpose true? <br />Do I live, every day a man, <br />Helping and cheering where I can? <br />Am I employing every hour <br />For deeds of good, my gift of power? <br /> <br />This is what I prefer to know, <br />Not when or whither I must go; <br />No thought of Future lines my brow, <br />Mine is the problem of the Now. <br />My hopes are not on after-death, <br />But on today while I have breath; <br />If I have done my best while here, <br />I'll face hereafter without fear.<br /><br />Edgar Albert Guest<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/the-glories-of-the-present/