When I Must Leave

When I must leave you for a little

while – please do not grieve and

shed wild tears and hug your

sorrow to you throughout

the years.  But start out bravely

with a gallant smile, and for my

sake and in my name, live on and

do all things the same.

Feed not your loneliness on empty

days, but fill each waking hour

in useful ways.  Reach out your

hand in comfort and in cheer

and I in turn will comfort you

and hold you near.   And never,

never be afraid to die, For I am

waiting for you in the sky.