⁠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 my soul, —
⁠And eternity to sleep in.