One by one the sands are flowing, <br />One by one the moments fall: <br />Some are coming, some are going; <br />Do not strive to grasp them all. <br /> <br />One by one thy duties wait thee; <br />Let thy whole strength go to each; <br />Let no future dreams elate thee; <br />Learn thou first what these can teach. <br /> <br />One by one,-bright gifts of heaven,- <br />Joys are sent thee here below; <br />Take them readily when given; <br />Ready be to let them go. <br /> <br />One by one thy griefs shall meet thee; <br />Do not fear an armed band; <br />One will fade as others greet thee,- <br />Shadows passing through the land. <br /> <br />Every hour that fleets so slowly <br />Has its task to do our bear: <br />Luminous the crown and holy, <br />When each gem is set with care. <br /> <br />Hours are golden links, God's token <br />Reaching heaven; but one by one <br />Take them, lest the chain be broken <br />Ere the pilgrimage be done.<br /><br />Adelaide Anne Procter<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/one-by-one-the-sands-are-flowing-2/
