The Evening of the Year

The brown leaves hung unwilling yet to fall

And chrysanthemums bloomed mid the wild drakes call

As the first snow fell in the evening of the year.

We were stunned to silence and our sorrow grew

When they brought us word that her days on earth were few

And darkness drew close in the evening of the year.

And when our tears were spent and silence reigned

We viewed our life as His alone nor deigned

To look beyond the evening of the year.

Casting out doubt we discarded the mantle of fear

Drew gratitude round calling the grace ever near

And passed beyond the evening of the year.

Now time is foreshortened and gladness telescopes

When seconds great treasures contain and the sum of our hopes

As we grow beyond the evening of the year.