Page:Andrew Lockhart - At the Bars of Memory.pdf/17

 

When time draws nigh to say goodbye To those I prize and hold, And the soul of me puts out to sea, And earth grows dark and cold; God grant me pow'r in that last hour To wave a fond adieu To those who grieve because I leave From out the soundless blue.

And may they know as I must go Across death's borderland, I liv'd my days on life's highways Seeking to understand; Seeking to give to those who live The flowers they have won Ere they have found the plot of ground— Sacred spot in the sun.

To those who weep for me asleep. May God bring comfort there; And may He bless with His caress The heart that feels despair: For I will wait within the gate Where angel faces smile To meet them when we meet again In just a little while!

 

A little nearer the setting sun; A little nearer to God and man; More ready to help the falt'ring one Who struggles behind life's caravan.

A little more used to changing fate; A little more tender of heart toward those Who once were wont to condemn and hate. Who once paid the kindest act with blows.

Loving to live and let others live; A little nearer the golden rule; More apt to refuse—more willing to give A hand to the strugglers in life's hard school.

More willing to count the many joys That are mine in this sun-blest day; More ready to leave the strife and noise To watch little children at their play.

Growing old! But if it please God As the changing seasons onward roll. Let me follow the trail so many have trod With Youth and Hope and Love in my soul!