The flash at midnight! - 'twas a light That gave the blind a moment's sight Then sank in tenfold gloom; Loud, deep, and long, the thunder broke, The deaf ear instantly awoke, Then closed as in the tomb: An angel might have passed my bed, Sounded the trump of God, and fled. So life appears; - a sudden birth, A glance revealing heaven and earth It is - and it is not! So fame the poet's hope deceives, Who sings for after time, and leaves A name - to be forgot, Life - is a lightning-flash of breath; Fame - but a thunder clap at death.