Where shall I die? -- Shall Death's cold hand Arrest my breath while dear ones stand In silent watchful love, to shed Their tears around my quiet bed? Or, shall I meet my final doom Far from my country and my home? Lord, to Thy will I bend the knee; Thou evermore hast cared for me. How shall I die? -- Shall Death's harsh yoke Subdue me by a single stroke? Or shall my fainting frame sustain The tedious languishing of pain, Sinking in weariness away, Slowly and sadly, day by day? Lord, I repose my cares on Thee; Thou evermore hast cared for me. When shall I die? -- Shall Death's stern call Soon come, my spirit to appeal? Or shall I live through circling years, A pilgrim in this vale of tears; Surviving those I loved the best, Who in the peaceful church-yard rest? Lord! I await Thy wise decree; Thou evermore hast cared for me. Yet, oh, sustain me by Thy power! Be with me in Life's parting hour: Tell me of peace and pardon won Through the dear mercies of Thy Son: Then shall I feel resign'd to go From Life's brief joy and fleeting woe, If I in death the Saviour see, Who evermore hath cared for me. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...INSTANS TYRANNUS by ROBERT BROWNING ADDRESS TO THE UNCO GUID, OR THE RIGIDLY RIGHTEOUS by ROBERT BURNS SIGNS OF THE TIMES by PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR MEDITATION AT KEW by ANNA WICKHAM DESTINY by THOMAS BAILEY ALDRICH FOAM STRAY by JOSEPH AUSLANDER |