Time's Gaze

Time looked me in the eyes while passing by     The milestone of the year.    That piercing gaze     Was both an accusation and reproach.     No speech was needed.    In a sorrowing look     More meaning lies than in complaining words,     And silence hurts as keenly as reproof.     Oh, opulent, kind giver of rich hours,     How have I used thy benefits!    As babes     Unstring a necklace, laughing at the sound     Of priceless jewels dropping one by one,     So have I laughed while precious moments rolled     Into the hidden corners of the past.     And I have let large opportunities     For high endeavour move unheeded by,     While little joys and cares absorbed my strength.     And yet, dear Time, set to my credit this:     NOT ONE WHITE HOUR HAVE I MADE BLACK WITH HATE,     NOR WISHED ONE LIVING CREATURE AUGHT BUT GOOD.     Be patient with me.    Though the sun slants west,     The day has not yet finished, and I feel     Necessity for action and resolve     Bear in upon my consciousness.    I know     The earth's eternal need of earnest souls,     And the great hunger of the world for Love.     I know the goal to high achievement lies     Through the dull pathway of self-conquest first;     And on the stairs of little duties done     We climb to joys that stand thy test.    O Time,     Be patient with me, and another day,     Perchance, in passing by, thine eyes may smile.