Immortality

Some gazed into the heavens afar;
Some delved in darkness underground;
But Life Immortal was not found
In any stone or star.

Some asked the spirits of the dead;
Some thrid the mazes of the past;
Some called aloud–and heard at last
But what themselves had said.

Some sought in quivering nerves laid bare;
Some cleaved the atoms, one by one;
Some cried, their vain inquiry done,
“It is not anywhere!”

But some in happy peace remained.
“Why join ye not,” I said, “the quest?”
And they made answer, “It is best
To seek not, having gained.”

“Then ye have found it?” “Nay,” they cried,
“It hath found us. The life above
We live by faith and hope and love,
Since these three shall abide!

“Faith opens wide the gates of gloom;
Hope presses to a glad surprise;
But love looks round, with happy eyes,
And finds herself at home!”