When I must leave you
for a little while.
Please do not grieve
and shed wild tears,
and hug your sorrow
to you through the years.
But start out bravely
with a gallant smile;
And for my sake and in my name
live on and do all things the same.
Feed not your loneliness
on empty days,
but fill each waking hour in
useful ways,
reach out your hand
in comfort and in cheer
and I in turn will comfort you
and hold you near;
And never, never be afraid to die,
for I am waiting
for you in the sky.
Helen Steiner Rice
11th April 2011