The Years Pass On

“When I’m a woman, you’ll see what I’ll do.

I’ll be great and good and noble and true;

I’ll visit the sick and relieve the poor;

No one shall ever be turned from my door;

But I’m only a little girl now,”—

And so the years passed on.

“When I’m older, I’ll have more time

To think of heaven and things sublime;

My time is now full of studies and play,

But I really mean to begin some day;

I am only a little girl now,”—

And so the years passed on.

“When I’m a woman,” a gay maiden said,

“I’ll try to do right and not be afraid;

I’ll be a Christian, and give up the joys

Of the world, with all his dazzling toys;

But I’m only a young girl now,”—

And so the years passed on.

“Ah me!” sighed a woman gray with years,

Her heart full of cares and doubts and fears;

“I’ve kept putting off the time to be good,

Instead of beginning to do as I should;

But I’m an old woman now,”—

And so the years passed on.

Now is the time to begin to do right;

Today, whether skies be dark or bright,

Make others happy by good deeds of love,

Looking to Jesus for help from above;

And then you’ll be happy now,

And glad as the years pass on.

—Author unknown