When looking back on a moment ago or years gone by—
The words let out, the thoughts that ruled, the patterns spun—
What will fill the heart with peace, and satisfy?
The merciful, who love and live to sanctify
Earth's varied scenes, will have a bliss outshined by none,
When looking back on a moment ago or years gone by.
The pure in heart, intently true, can prophesy
In the solid now and through their lives show everyone
What will fill the heart with peace, and satisfy.
The one who mourns with honest remorse, will testify
To valleys missed or paths delayed or peaks not won,
When looking back on a moment ago or years gone by.
This poor in spirit, now feeling his need, will patiently strive
For the highest good the sooner to find, with new joys begun,
What will fill the heart with peace, and satisfy.
Telling moments take our measure then instantly fly;
But freshly at hand is the promising now, to improve upon.
When looking back on a moment ago or years gone by,
What will fill the heart with peace, and satisfy?
