Classic Poem

Shall we see it, loving Brothers,
Ere another New Year's day?
Shall we join those loving others,
Whom the past year tore away?
Shall we change this toil and drudge,
For the bright Celestial L ODGE ,
T. C. L. A. W.
T. S. A. O. T. U. P.

Shall we tread that one more station,
Take that fast and best degree,
Whose consummate " Preparation "
Is to set the spirit free?
Lay our bodies off, that then
Souls unburdened may go in,
T. C. L. A. W.
T. S. A. O. T. U. P.

Shall we find beyond the river, —
Shall we find beyond the tomb, —
Those who left us, not forever,
Lett us till we, too, should come?
Shall we learn the long-lost W ORD
That admits a man to G OD , —
T. C. L. A. W.
T. S. A. O. T. U. P.?

Then, be zealous, loving Brothers,
While your lives so swiftly tend;
Emulate those faithful others
In the prizes they have gained;
O'er the river, on the shore,
They are happy evermore, —
T. C. L. A. W.
T. S. A. O. T. U. P.

Toil , — your wages rich are ready;
Bear , — your burdens all shall cease;
Give , — however poor and needy;
Pray , — and God will give release
From this bitter toil and drudge
To the bright Celestial L ODGE ,
T. C. L. A. W.
T. S. A. O. T. U. P.