If This Be My Last Hour

Once in an oceanic dance of death,

The secure earth from my feet removed,

Helpless in the violent undertow,

The mighty waves crashing over me,

No strength remained, no voice within the surge

Could summon aid from that now distant shore.

Drowning I was calm and said to Her,

"If this be my last hour then my life

I give to Thee for the blessings and the light

And grace that Thou has poured upon this head.

I offer up my soul in gratitude

And ask that I may serve in future lives

Thy will upon this earth I worship so."

My arms outstretched I lay in calm repose,

The struggle ended I spoke alone Her name.

As answer to my call swimmers came

(One almost drowned) and towed me to the shore.

Exhausted I lay upon the welcome sands

Cradled in the arms of one beloved

In former lives and future lives to be.