IF I SHOULD DIE TO-NIGHT.
If I should die to-night, all things unlovable in me
would also die,
And only what is good would live to hallow blessed
memory.
Kind words, in extenuation of my every fault, and praise
for honest effort, would declare
That I was well approved—if I should die to-night. If I should die to-night, e'en those who dire revenge
have sought
For real or fancied wrong would at the sight of my pale
face relent;
For who could quarrel with cold and lifeless clay?
Would they freely all forgive—if I should die to-night? If I should die to-night, true hearts would break, and
burning tears would fall;
The lips of those who love me well would utterance
give
To deep-souled thoughts, in accents low and sweet;
The air would laden be with breath of flowers, and
yet—
I could not hear or see; nor would I know by them how
greatly I was missed—
If I should die to-night. Ah, friends! how soon, how very soon, our loved ones
pass
Beyond the reach of human-handed ministries!
Oh, then, by word and deed, make manifest to-day
The promptings of a heart compassionate and kind!
Keep not endearing names and meed of praise
For death-closed ears and chiseled monument!
Keep not the warmest kisses for the cold brow,
And the rarest flowers for the coffined dead;
But give them to the living, give them to-day,
Lest those whom they would bless should die to-night.
—Selected.