Stanzas. (Farewell life! my senses swim, ...)

by Thomas Hood

Farewell life! my senses swim,
And the world is growing dim:
Thronging shadows cloud the light,
Like the advent of the night --
Colder, colder, colder still,
Upward steals a vapor chill;
Strong the earthy odor grows --
I smell the mould above the rose!

Welcome life! the spirit strives!
Strength returns and hope revives;
Cloudy fears and shapes forlorn
Fly like shadows at the morn, --
O'er the earth there comes a bloom;
Sunny light for sullen gloom,
Warm perfume for vapor cold --
I smell the rose above the mould!

April, 1845.