The Poetry Corner

I Vex Me Not With Brooding On The Years

By Thomas Bailey Aldrich

I vex me not with brooding on the years That were ere I drew breath: why should I then Distrust the darkness that may fall again When life is done?Perchance in other spheres-- Dead planets--I once tasted mortal tears, And walked as now among a throng of men, Pondering things that lay beyond my ken, Questioning death, and solacing my fears. Ofttimes indeed strange sense have I of this, Vague memories that hold me with a spell, Touches of unseen lips upon my brow, Breathing some incommunicable bliss! In years foregone, O Soul, was all not well? Still lovelier life awaits thee.Fear not thou!