Do Not Grieve

Grief is now companion of my days,

Unwanted he comes, a solitary guest

And in the unchecked openings betrays

The heart to tears, the soul to troubled rest.

Though a stranger he appears as bosom friend

Recalling joys I shall not taste again,

And sorrow's songs I cannot yet transcend,

For one I loved who bravely bore her pain,

Who cherished life, unwilling still to leave

Though caught in the stealthy Hunter's mighty snare.

I hear her voice beseech me, "Do not grieve,"

And catch her perfumed presence in the air.

She walks with me, confidante and guide,

Towards the Mother's Light where I move on

And love no lingering sadness shall abide;

The body's death a soul-phenomenon.

Into the vales of woe he'd shepherd me,

A million lamenting spirits would have me greet,

But One I met is now my destiny,

So far to go before I reach His feet.