Wants

by Edith Wharton

　　And first we call for happiness, --

　　The careless boon the hour brings,

　　The smile, the song, and the caress.

　　And when the fancy fades, we cry,

　　Nay, give us one on whom to spend

　　Our heart's desire! When Love goes by

　　With folded wings, we seek a friend.

　　And then our children come, to prove

　　Our hearts but slumbered, and can wake;

　　And when they go, we're fain to love

　　Some other woman's for their sake.

　　But when both love and friendship fail,

　　We cry for duty, work to do;

　　Some end to gain beyond the pale

　　Of self, some height to journey to.

　　And then, before our task is done,

　　With sudden weariness oppressed,

　　We leave the shining goal unwon

　　And only ask for rest.