Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

WHERE SHALL I DIE?, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Where shall I die? Shall death's cold hand / arrest my breath
Last Line: Who evermore hath cared for me.
Alternate Author Name(s): Smith, Maria; Abdy, Mira; M. A.
Subject(s): Death; Dead, The


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...
Home: PoetryExplorer.net