The Sum

A little dreaming by the way,

A little toiling day by day;

A little pain, a little strife,

A little joy, -- and that is life.

A little short-lived summer's morn,

When joy seems all so newly born,

When one day's sky is blue above,

And one bird sings, -- and that is love.

A little sickening of the years,

The tribute of a few hot tears

Two folded hands, the failing breath,

And peace at last, -- and that is death.

Just dreaming, loving, dying so,

The actors in the drama go --

A flitting picture on a wall,

Love, Death, the themes; but is that all?