A DEATH SONG

By Cale Young Rice

Toll no bell and say no prayer,

Let no rose die on my bier.

All I hoped for shall appear

Or be well forgotten, there.

( Like the waves of yesteryear. )

Toll no bell and drop no sigh,

Bear me softly to the tomb;

Life was dark, but light is nigh —

Light no sorrow shall consume

( And no kiss of love — or cry ).

Toll no bell; the clod will toll

Grief enough for any ear.

When the last has sounded clear,

Know that I have reached the Goal

( Which is God seen thro no tear ).