A DOWN the west a golden glow <br />Sinks burning in the sea, <br />And all the dreams of long ago <br />Come flooding back to me. <br />The past has writ a story strange <br />Upon my aching heart, <br />But time has wrought a subtle change, <br />My wounds have ceased to smart. <br />No more the quick delight of youth, <br />No more the sudden pain, <br />I look no more for trust or truth <br />Where greed may compass gain. <br />What, was it I who bared my heart <br />Through unrelenting years, <br />And knew the sting of misery's dart, <br />The tang of sorrow's tears? <br />'Tis better now, I do not weep, <br />I do not laugh nor care; <br />My soul and spirit half asleep <br />Drift aimless everywhere. <br />We float upon a sluggish stream, <br />We ride no rapids mad, <br />While life is all a tempered dream <br />And every joy half sad.<br /><br />Paul Laurence Dunbar<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/at-sunset-time/
