There Was a Time
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HERE was a time when this poor frame was wholeAnd I had youth and never another care,Or none that should have troubled a strong soul.Yet, except sometimes in a frosty airWhen my heels hammered out a melodyFrom pavements of a city left behind,I never would acknowledge my own gleeBecause it was less mighty than my mindHad dreamed of. Since I could not boast of strengthGreat as I wished, weakness was all my boast.I sought yet hated pity till at lengthI earned it. Oh, too heavy was the cost.But now that there is something I could useMy youth and strength for, I deny the age,The care and weakness that I know--refuseTo admit I am unworthy of the wagePaid to a man who gives up eyes and breathFor what can neither ask nor heed his death.
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