At the river's end
the waters slacken
dusk sets in too soon
the hours darken-

this is my last sailing
destiny's call does beckon
its message I harken
' know there's no return'--

the sky is a shroud of grey tonight
neither moon nor star does glisten
a long-drawn sigh as though the heart is in plight
drifts in the silent air-- sorrow- ridden --

the dreams of youth I recall
how passions then ruled over reason
love was stronger than death and pain
to suffer in its name was pure heaven-

upon manhood's fretful years
lofty thoughts no longer appeared in season
the scene was fraught with remorse and regret
sadly amidst  hopes broken and ideals forgotten--

'life is folly and love a make-believe'
time is indifferent and has heartlessly spoken
old age is reconciled to what has been assigned
in acceptance of doleful days which were once shone golden-

at the river's end the waters begin
to recede and dark shadows loom in the horizon
my eyes are weary and long for a deep sleep
I have no desire upon the dawn to waken.