It is not selfishness that bids me say When our last summons comes, I hope it may Be you who answers first the call, And I the one to know the deadly pall Of every day's vain longing and the tears Of loneliness that beat against the years. For you, the rest, the peace, the folded hands, Release from endless striving, and the bands The held you to the daily need For constant struggle in a world of greed. For me, an emptiness and utter loss, Till I go too. Pray God @3I@1 bear the heavy cross -- Not you! | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...EPISTLE TO AUGUSTA by GEORGE GORDON BYRON THE RUBAIYAT, 1879 EDITION: 18 by OMAR KHAYYAM ASTROPHEL AND STELLA: 24 by PHILIP SIDNEY THE CRESCENT AND THE CROSS by THOMAS BAILEY ALDRICH A SOUTHERN NIGHT by MATTHEW ARNOLD |