Siegfried Sassoon (1886–1967). The Old Huntsman and Other Poems. 1918.

49. The Heritage

CRY out on Time that he may take away

Your cold philosophies that give no hint

Of spirit-quickened flesh; fall down and pray

That Death come never with a face of flint:

Death is our heritage; with Life we share

The sunlight that must own his darkening hour:

Within his very presence yet we dare

To gather gladness like a fading flower.

For even as this, our joy not long may live

Perfect; and most in change the heart can trace

The miracle of life and human things:

All we have held to destiny we give;

Dawn glimmers on the soul-forsaken face;

Not we, but others, hear the bird that sings.