Poem by William Ernest Henley

Echoes. 47. Crosses and Troubles

Crosses and troubles a-many have proved me.
One or two women (God bless them) have loved me.
I have worked and dreamed, and I’ve talked at will.
Of art and drink I have had my fill.
I’ve comforted here, and I succoured there.
I’ve faced my foes, and I backed my friends.
I’ve blundered, and sometimes made amends.
I’ve prayed for light, and I’ve known despair.
Now I look before, as I look behind,
Come storm, come shine, whatever befall,
With a grateful heart and a constant mind,
For the end I know is the best of all. 

1. In Hospital. 8. Staff-Nurse: Old Style
2. Echoes. 32. O, Falmouth Is a Fine Town
3. London Voluntaries. 5. Allegro Maëstoso
4. In Hospital. 22. Pastoral
5. Ballade of the Toyokuni Colour-Print

Print

1993 Views

Last Poems

To Russian version