Classic Poem

Leave me, dear ones, to my slumber,
Daylight's faded glow is gone;
In the red light of the morning
I must rise and journey on.

I am weary, oh, how weary!
And would rest a little while;
Let your kind looks be my blessing,
And your last “Good-night” a smile.

We have journeyed up together,
Through the pleasant day-time flown;
Now my feet have pressed life's summit,
And my pathway lies alone.

And, my dear ones, do not call me,
Should you haply be awake,
When across the eastern hill-tops
Presently the day shall break.

For, while yet the stars are lying
In the gray lap of the dawn,
On my long and solemn journey
I shall be awake and gone;

Far from mortal pain and sorrow,
And from passion's stormy swell,
Knocking at the golden gateway
Of the eternal citadel.

Therefore, dear ones, let me slumber—
Faded is the day and gone;
And with morning's early splendor,
I must rise and journey on.