A little dreaming by the way,
A little toiling day by day;
A little pain, a little strife,
A little joy -- and that is life.
A little short lived, fleeting summer's morn,
When happiness seems newly born,
When one day's sky is blue above,
And one bird sings -- and that is love.
A little wearying of the years,
The tribute of a few hot tears,
Two folded hands, the failing breath,
And peace at last -- and that is death.
Just dreaming, loving, dying so,
The actors in the drama go;
A flitting picture on a wall,
Love, death, the themes! But is it all?