A joy that passes, a pain that stays,
Such is life.
A moment's rapture, then weary days,
Years of strife,
Such is life.
A kiss of passion, a sigh of pain,
Such is love.
A flash of splendour, then night again,
God above,
Such is love!
A sudden blindness, a creeping fear,
Such is death.
An awful vastness, an unknown sphere,
Choking breath,
And then... death.