Proem (AKA "Afterwhiles")

Where are they - the Afterwhiles -     Luring us the lengthening miles     Of our lives? Where is the dawn     With the dew across the lawn     Stroked with eager feet the far     Way the hills and valleys are?     Were the sun that smites the frown     Of the eastward-gazer down?     Where the rifted wreaths of mist     O'er us, tinged with amethyst,     Round the mountain's steep defiles?     Where are the afterwhiles?     Afterwhile - and we will go     Thither, yon, and too and fro -     From the stifling city streets     To the country's cool retreats -     From the riot to the rest     Were hearts beat the placidest:     Afterwhile, and we will fall     Under breezy trees, and loll     In the shade, with thirsty sight     Drinking deep the blue delight     Of the skies that will beguile     Us as children - afterwhile.     Afterwhile - and one intends     To be gentler to his friends - ,     To walk with them, in the hush     Of still evenings, o'er the plush     Of home-leading fields, and stand     Long at parting, hand in hand:     One, in time, will joy to take     New resolves for some one's sake,     And wear then the look that lies     Clear and pure in other eyes -     We will soothe and reconcile     His own conscience - afterwhile.     Afterwhile - we have in view     A far scene to journey to - ,     Where the old home is, and where     The old mother waits us there,     Peering, as the time grows late,     Down the old path to the gate - .     How we'll click the latch that locks     In the pinks and hollyhocks,     And leap up the path once more     Where she waits us at the door - !     How we'll greet the dear old smile,     And the warm tears - afterwhile!     Ah, the endless afterwhiles - !     Leagues on leagues, and miles on miles,     In distance far withdrawn,     Stretching on, and on, and on,     Till the fancy is footsore     And faints in the dust before     The last milestone's granite face,     Hacked with: Here Beginneth Space.     O far glimmering worlds and wings,     Mystic smiles and beckonings,     Lead us through the shadowy aisles     Out into the afterwhiles.