The Soul’s Farewell to the Body
So we must part forever. And although
I long have beat my wings and cried to go
Free from your narrow limits and control,
Forth into space, the true home of the soul;
Yet now, yet now that hour is drawing near,
I paused reluctant, finding you so dear.
All joys await me in the realm of God;
Must you, my comrade, moulder in the sod?
I was your captive, yet you were my slave;
Your prisoner, yet obedience you gave
To all my earnest wishes and commands.
Now to the worm I leave these willing hands
That toiled for me, or held the book I read.
These feet that trod where ’er I bade them tread,
These arms that clasped my dear ones, and the breast
On which one loved and loving heart found rest.
These lips thro’ which my prayers to God have risen,
These eyes that were the windows of my prison.
From these, all these, Death’s angel bids me sever,
Dear Comrade Body, fare you well forever.
I go to my inheritance; and go
With joy that only the freed soul can know;
Yet, in my spirit journeyings I trust
I may sometimes pause near your sacred dust.