O TIME! who know'st a lenient hand to lay <br />Softest on sorrow's wound, and slowly thence, <br />(Lulling to sad repose the weary sense) <br />Stealest the long-forgotten pang away; <br />On Thee I rest my only hope at last, <br />And think, when thou hast dried the bitter tear <br />That flows in vain o'er all my soul held dear, <br />I may look back on many a sorrow past, <br />And meet life's peaceful evening with a smile - <br />As some poor bird, at day's departing hour, <br />Sings in the sunbeam, of the transient shower <br />Forgetful, tho' its wings are wet the while: - <br />Yet ah! how much must that poor heart endure, <br />Which hopes from thee, and thee alone, a cure!<br /><br />William Lisle Bowles<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/influence-of-time-on-grief/
