"What I spent I had; what I saved, I lost; what I gave, I have." <br /> <br />But yesterday the tourney, all the eager joy of life, <br />The waving of the banners, and the rattle of the spears, <br />The clash of sword and harness, and the madness of the strife; <br />To-night begin the silence and the peace of endless years. <br /> <br />( One sings within.) <br /> <br />But yesterday the glory and the prize, <br />And best of all, to lay it at her feet, <br />To find my guerdon in her speaking eyes: <br />I grudge them not, -- - they pass, albeit sweet. <br /> <br />The ring of spears, the winning of the fight, <br />The careless song, the cup, the love of friends, <br />The earth in spring -- - to live, to feel the light -- - <br />'Twas good the while it lasted: here it ends. <br /> <br />Remain the well-wrought deed in honour done, <br />The dole for Christ's dear sake, the words that fall <br />In kindliness upon some outcast one, -- - <br />They seemed so little: now they are my All.<br /><br />John McCrae<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/upon-watts-picture-sic-transit/
