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1849–1916

WHEN EVENING SHADOWS FALL

James Whitcomb Riley

When evening shadows fall, She hangs her cares away Like empty garments on the wall That hides her from the day;

And while old memories throng, And vanished voices call, She lifts her grateful heart in song When evening shadows fall.

Her weary hands forget The burdens of the day. The weight of sorrow and regret In music rolls away;

And from the day's dull tomb, That holds her in its thrall, Her soul springs up in lily bloom When evening shadows fall.

O weary heart and hand, Go bravely to the strife — No victory is half so grand As that which conquers life!

One day shall yet be thine — The day that waits for all Whose prayerful eyes are things divine When evening shadows fall.

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WHEN EVENING SHADOWS FALL · James Whitcomb Riley · Poetry Cove