ONE by one the sands are flowing,
One by one the moments fall;
Some are coming, some are going;
Do not strive to keep them all.
One by one thy duties wait thee,
Let thy whole strength go to each;
Let no future dreams elate thee;
Learn thou first what those can teach.
One by one (bright gifts from Heaven),
Joys are sent thee here below;
Take them readily when given,
Ready, too, to let them go.
One by one thy griefs shall meet thee—
Do not fear an armed band;
One will fade as others greet thee;
Shadows pass through all the land.
Do not look at life’s long sorrow,
See how small each moment’s pain;
God will help thee for tomorrow—
Every day begin again.
Every hour that fleets so slowly
Has its task to do or bear;
Luminous the crown and holy,
If you set each gem with care.
Do not linger with regretting,
Or for passion’s hour despond;
Nor, the daily toil forgetting,
Look too eagerly beyond.
Hours are golden links, God’s token,
Reaching heaven, but, one by one,
Take them, lest the chain be broken
Ere the pilgrimage be done.