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"Footprints in the sands of time…" by Akshay is licensed under CC
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A Psalm of Life
What the Heart of the Young Man Said to the Psalmist
By Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
1838
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1807-1882) was an American poet and educator, known particularly for his
lyric poems. In this poem, a speaker describes their views on life. As you read, take notes on how the speaker
suggests others should live their lives.
Tell me not, in mournful numbers,
Life is but an empty dream!
For the soul is dead that slumbers,
And things are not what they seem.
Life is real! Life is earnest!
And the grave is not its goal;
Dust thou art, to dust returnest,
Was not spoken of the soul.
Not enjoyment, and not sorrow,
Is our destined end or way;
But to act, that each to-morrow
Find us farther than to-day.
Art is long, and Time is fleeting,
And our hearts, though stout1and brave,
Still, like muffled drums, are beating
Funeral marches to the grave.
In the world’s broad field of battle,
In the bivouac2of Life,
Be not like dumb, driven cattle!
Be a hero in the strife!3
Trust no Future, howe’er pleasant!
Let the dead Past bury its dead!
Act,— act in the living Present!
Heart within, and God o’erhead!
[1]
[5]
[10]
[15]
[20]
1. brave and determined
2. a temporary camp without cover
3. Strife (noun): angry or bitter disagreement
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