“Farewell, Life”

Written During Sickness, April, 1845 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 earthly odor grows,— I smell the mold 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 mold!