If inescapable darkness invades my living world
And, if joy no longer fills my heart
At sound of quiet, running stream
Or song of Meadow Lark--
When I no longer desire to hear the gentle voice
Of friend or loved one close beside my bed,
But pull away into mind's deep recess
And choose the silence of an empty room, instead--
When I no more recall my youthful days
When life was joyous and adventure dear,
When sky was bluest and sunshine brightest,
When confidence was high and there was little fear--
When I no longer thrill to sweet refrain
Of old familiar song or melody,
Nor recognize the sparkle in a grandchild's youthful eyes,
But shrink from loving touch of my beloved family--
When I no longer see that which my eyes look upon
And do not welcome each day's cheery light,
When my speech is nought but babbling sounds
And all my days are empty, endless nights--
When I'm no longer enchanted by wonders of awakening spring,
Nor see the beauty of winter's falling snows,
Nor tingle with excitement at a vast, approaching storm,
Nor look with awe on tree or budding rose--
Then tuck me 'neath Thy sheltering wing, oh Lord,
And let me softly steal away
Beyond the realm of further silent grief,
And welcome me to that great, eternal day.
Then, I shall know such joy as I have never known.
My eyes shall see and ears shall hear the angels' sweet refrain.
And I shall walk with saints of ages gone
And be at rest and peace again.
Reynolda Clegg