When I Must Leave You

by Helen Steiner Rice

When I must leave you for a little while-

Please do not grieve and shed wild tears

And hug your sorrow to you through the years,

But start out bravely with a gallant smile;

And for my sake and for my name

Live on and do all things the same,

Feed not your loneliness on empty days,

But fill each waking hour in useful ways,

Reach out your hand in comfort and in cheer

And I in turn will comfort you and hold you near;

And never, never be afraid to die

For I am waiting for you in the sky!