At every motion [moment] of our breath

Verse 1

At every motion of our breath, Life trembles on the brink of death, A taper's flame that upward turns, While downward to the dust it burns.

Verse 2

A moment usher'd us to birth, Heirs to the commonwealth of earth; Moment by moment years are past, And one ere long will be our last.

Verse 3

'Twixt that, long fled, which gave us light, And that which soon shall end in night, There is a point no eye can see, Yet on it hangs eternity.

Verse 4

This is that moment,--who can tell Whether it leads to heaven or hell? This is that moment,--as we choose, The immortal soul we save or lose.

Verse 5

Time past and time to come are not; Time present is our only lot; O God! henceforth our hearts incline To seek no other love than thine.