This Temporary Life of Ours

In this temporary life we live,

God traced for us a way:

One passes through it light and swift,

Another like a storm-tossed day.

And though your start seems light and fast,

Never let humility depart;

Let your path remain the proper one,

For gratitude must guide the heart.

In the tempest of this life,

Never lose your courage strong,

So you may yet be freed from harm

Before the wreck should come along.

Steep climbs and downward slopes alike

Will mark the paths we tread;

May we, from every side of life,

Walk on with pride where we are led.

Keep walking, always look ahead

If you would rise and grow;

But cast a glance behind as well,

Lest from your road you stray and go.

Our pathway here is small and brief,

It passes in a flash;

You leap away with no return

From life’s own harbour at the last.

We gather wealth, material things,

We fill our baskets high,

Without a thought, without good sense—

O man, reflect, and do not buy

Into greed that claims the soul;

Consider well before you strive:

For when your spirit rises high,

You are not judged by what you’ve had in life.