A little time for laughter
A little time to sing
A little time to kiss and cling
And no more kissing after

A little while for scheming
Love's unperfected schemes;
A little time for golden dreams
Then no more any dreaming

A little while 'twas given
To me to have thy love;
Now, like a ghost, alone I move
About a ruined heaven

A little time for speaking
Things sweet to say and hear;
A time to seek, and find thee near
Then no more any seeking

A little time for saying
Words the heart breaks to say;
A short, sharp time wherein to pray
Then no more need for praying;

But long, long years to weep in
And comprehend the whole
Great grief that desolates the soul
And eternity to sleep in