I have seen peoples come and go  
Alike the Ocean'd ebb and flow;  
I have seen kingdoms rise and fall  
Like springtime shadows on a wall.  
I have seen houses rendered great  
That grew from life's debased estate,  
And all, all, all is change I see,  
So, dearest God, take me, take me.
Paul Laurence Dunbar
http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/old/