I In that sweet after-life, When time is done, And living hearts again are one In perfect union, You shall look back and say, -- "And did I mourn that he Passed on in front of me By just one day? The time indeed seemed long to me, And hushed my song in misery; But, in the light of this eternity, 'Twas but a span, -- just a short winter's day, -- Soon past And by these present joys far overpassed." II I see their shining eyes, Their glad and eager faces, Waiting to welcome us To the heavenly places. And how shall we complain Of our own loss and pain, When unto them we know the change Is all eternal gain? III Ah -- how we miss him -- Every hour of every day! Life, since he went, has been a gray Dull way, wherein we stray Neighboured with grief, and blinded with dismay. Never to see him more! To hear his voice! -- to see his face again! Lord, it is sore beyond our ken, -- How shall our hearts endure Discomfiture so great and such vast forfeiture? And yet, our faith dare not gainsay Thy love in taking him away. Such good is his, such perfect bliss, How could we wish him back in this Small world of grim perplexities? And, of a truth, at times he feels so near, -- Nearer in very deed Than when we had him here, -- That we are comforted. We cast despair and put away our fear. We shall not see him here again; To us he may not come; But when at last we shall attain The heavenly place, be his dear face The first to greet us in Thy grace And bid us "Welcome Home!" |