Life Station

As we speed out of youth's sunny station

The track seems to shine in the light,

But it suddenly shoots over chasms

Or sinks into tunnels of night.

And the hearts that were brave in the morning

Are filled with repining and fears,

As they pause at the City of Sorrow

Or pass through the Valley of Tears.

But the road of this perilous journey

The hand of the Master has made;

With all its discomforts and dangers,

We need not be sad or afraid.

Paths leading from light into darkness,

Ways plunging from gloom to despair,

Wind out through the tunnels of midnight

To fields that are blooming and fair.

Though the rocks and the shadows surround us,

Though we catch not one gleam of the day,

Above us fair cities are laughing,

And dipping white feet in some bay.

And always, eternal, for ever,

Down over the hills in the west,

The last final end of our journey,

There lies the great Station of Rest.

'Tis the Grand Central point of all railways,

All roads unite here when they end;

'Tis the final resort of all tourists,

All rival lines meet here and blend.

All tickets, all seasons, all passes,

If stolen or begged for or bought,

On whatever road or division,

Will bring you at last to this spot.

If you pause at the City of Trouble,

Or wait in the Valley of Tears,

Be patient, the train will move onward,

And rush down the track of the years.

Whatever the place is you seek for,

Whatever your game or your quest,

You shall come at the last with rejoicing

To the beautiful City of Rest.

You shall store all your baggage of worries,

You shall feel perfect peace in this realm,

You shall sail with old friends on fair waters,

With joy and delight at the helm.

You shall wander in cool, fragrant gardens

With those who have loved you the best,

And the hopes that were lost in life's journey

You shall find in the City of Rest