Элла Уилкокс (Ella Wheeler Wilcox)

All the World

All the world is full of babies,
    Sobbing, sighing everywhere;
Looking out, with eyes of terror,
    Beating at the empty air.
Do they see the strife before them,
    That they sob and tremble so?
Oh, the helpless, frightened babies!
    Still they come, and still they go.

All the world is full of children,
    Laughing over little joys,
Sighing over little troubles,
    Fingers bruised or broken toys;
Wishing to be older, larger,
    Weeping at some fancied woe;
Oh, the happy, hapless, children!
    Still they come, and still they go.

All the world is full of lovers,
    Walking slowly, whispering sweet,
Dreaming dreams, and building castles
    That must crumble at their feet;
Breaking vows and burning letters,
    Smiling, lest the world shall know!
Oh, the foolish, trusting lovers!
    Still they come, and still they go.

All the world is full of people,
    Hurrying, rushing, pushing by,
Bearing burdens, carrying crosses,
    Passing onward with a sigh;
Some there are with smiling faces,
    But with heavy hearts below;
Oh, the sad-eyed, burdened people!
    How they come, and how they go!

All the earth is full of sleepers,
    Dust and bones laid there to rest;
This the end that babes and children,
    Lovers, people, find at best.
All their fears and all their crosses,
    All their sorrows wearing so.
Oh, the silent, happy sleepers,
    Sleeping soundly, lying low. 

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