And thou wert once a maiden fair, <br />A blushing virgin warm and young: <br />With myrtles wreathed in golden hair, <br />And glossy brow that knew no care— <br />Upon a bridegroom's arm you hung. <br /> <br />The golden locks are silvered now, <br />The blushing cheek is pale and wan; <br />The spring may bloom, the autumn glow, <br />All's one—in chimney corner thou <br />Sitt'st shivering on.— <br /> <br />A moment—and thou sink'st to rest! <br />To wake perhaps an angel blest, <br />In the bright presence of thy Lord. <br />Oh, weary is life's path to all! <br />Hard is the strife, and light the fall, <br />But wondrous the reward!<br /><br />William Makepeace Thackeray<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/on-a-very-old-woman/
