Classic Poem

I go to life and not to death;
From darkness to life's native sky
I go from sickness and from pain
To health and immortality.
Let our farewell then be tearless,
Since I bid farewell to tears;
Write this day of my departure
Festive in your coming years.

I go from poverty to wealth,
From rags to raiment angel-fair,
From the pale leanness of this flesh
To beauty such as saints shall wear.
Let our farewell then be tearless,
Since I bid farewell to tears;
Write this day of my departure
Festive in your coming years.

I go from chains to liberty,
These fetters will be broken soon;
Forth over Eden's fragrant fields
I walk beneath a glorious noon.
Let our farewell then be tearless,
Since I bid farewell to tears
Write this day of my departure
Festive in your coming years.

For toil there comes the crowned rest;
Instead of burdens, eagle's wings;
And I, even I, this life-long thirst
Shall quench at everlasting springs.
Let our farewell then be tearless,
Since I bid farewell to tears;
Write this day of my departure
Festive in your coming years.

God lives! Who says that I must die?
I cannot, while Jehovah liveth!
Christ lives! I cannot die, but live;
He life to me for ever giveth.
Let our farewell then be tearless,
Since I bid farewell to tears;
Write this day of my departure
Festive in your coming years.