Skip to content
1872–1906

BEYOND THE YEARS

Paul Laurence Dunbar

Beyond the years the answer lies, Beyond where brood the grieving skies And Night drops tears. Where Faith rod-chastened smiles to rise

And doff its fears, And carping Sorrow pines and dies — Beyond the years. Beyond the years the prayer for rest

Shall beat no more within the breast; The darkness clears, And Morn perched on the mountain's crest Her form uprears —

The day that is to come is best, Beyond the years. Beyond the years the soul shall find That endless peace for which it pined,

For light appears, And to the eyes that still were blind With blood and tears, Their sight shall come all unconfined

Beyond the years.

Cookies on Poetry Cove

We use cookies to remember your language preference and — only with your consent — to learn how Poetry Cove is used. You can change your mind any time.
BEYOND THE YEARS · Paul Laurence Dunbar · Poetry Cove