THE LIFELONG WAR

Still goes the strife; the anguish does not die.

Stronger the flesh is grown from earthy years, In siege about my soul that upward peers To see and hold its Good. The spirit's eye Approves the better things; but senses spy The passing sweets, spurning the present fears, And take their moment's prize. Ah, then hot tears Deluge my soul, and contrite moans my cry!

Courage, my heart: bright patience to the end!

Few years remain; then goes the warring wall Of sensely flesh, that men will throw to earth.

So be it; so the contrite soul shall wend A homeward way unto the Captain's call, Eternally to know contrition's worth.