Classic Poem

KLONDYKE

Fling a log on the hearth, will'ee, Jackie, my dear,
'Tis terrible cold. Thank 'ee; come over here.
Comrade, what was it the doctor said?
I fancy I heard it, " So good as dead! "

Comrade, come nearer and give me your hand —
'Tis lonely to die in this far-off land.
'Twill be lonely for you when I am not here;
We have stood by each other for many a year.
You've been always the same to me — more than a brother;
And, Jack, I been thinkin' that, somehow or other,

I'll tell Them above that I want to go back
Now and then to do a good turn for old Jack.
I'll tell Them about 'ee; I warrant they'll set
Theirselves for to help to pay off my debt.
But now you must go, there's things for to do — —
What, going to stay by me! Well, that is like you.

*****

Been asleep, have I, Jack? I s'pose 'twas a dream;
I was back home again; and it really did seem
As if I was only a child of three,
And kneeled at my prayers by mother's knee.
I saw her sweet face, felt her hand on my head,
As I kneeled by the fire all ready for bed,
With clasped hands and closed eyes, so plainly I heard
Her voice through it all — I can mind every word.
And I felt in my soul as if once again
Undressed for the night as I used to be then:
And mother she came and put out the light,
And sang of the angels who watch through the night.
Comrade, will 'ee open the chest over there,
There's a picture of mother. Will 'ee put it just where
I can see her dear face — a little this way.
When I look at her, comrade, I feel I can pray.

Will 'ee bring mother's Bible, 'tis there by the chair;
The leaves is got loose, and you'll have to take care.
Will 'ee please for to turn to her favourite bit —
The fourteenth of St John, you know where 'tis writ:
" I am going to get ready a mansion for you,
Where I am, said Jesus, there you shall be too. "
When mother was dying, I sat by her bed —
She used always to ask for that to be read;
There was light in her eyes and a joy in her tone,
As if they sweet words was wholly her own;
And though when I read them my voice was achoke,
To her it was like as if Jesus had spoke.
Turn up the lamp, Jack, you can't hardly see,
And then will 'ee please for to read it to me?

*****

What was it you asked me? What had I said?
Well, comrade, I'll tell 'ee. Come here by the bed.
'Tis strange the new thoughts that have come over me
Whilst lying here quiet. I've come for to see
The things that puzzled me grown all so clear,
The clouds are all scattered, the stars do appear.

They revivals at home used to give me a fright,
As if saving your soul was a terrible fight,
A-sweatin' and groanin' for nights and for days,
A hell of despair, then a heaven of praise.
Well, p'raps they was right; but seeming to me
'Tis the hand of the child that do carry the key.
I am sure as I stood and knocked at the door
One said from within, " Be a child once more . "

God used for to speak in dreams of the night —
Well, I tell 'ee, 'twas all so clear as the light.
I saw myself lying a child, just new born;
A poor little helpless thing, forlorn;
Above me the empty stretch of sky;
About me the moors where none went by;
So lonely, so helpless, so little, so weak,
All want, knowin' nothing, unable to speak.
Then came in an instant — I don't know from where —
My mother — she took me with tenderest care.
Oh, the warmth of her bosom! The sweet and snug rest!
And she laughed in her joy as I lay at her breast.
So little, and yet because little so dear;
My need was my claim, and held her more near;
No heaven was sweeter than hers day and night,
A service where service was lost in delight.
Then, Jackie, my comrade, I stirred and I woke,
And I can't but believe 'twas the Saviour who spoke:
" The love that greeted thy coming then
Is the love that waits to greet thee again. "

*****

Fling a log on the hearth, Jack, 'tis terrible cold.
Dear comrade, will 'ee give me your hand for to hold.
Good-bye and God bless 'ee — you always was true.
Look, Jack, can 'ee see her? Why, mother, 'tis you!