If I should go away upon an urgent call
And leave the beds unmade, the floors unswept, and all
The things I should have done-
And then did not return...
Would you complain?
If all the bitter words I spoke that burn and smart
With unintended hurt upon the human heart
Were etched in bold relief.
Upon the scroll of time...
Could you explain?
That I was human after all; that oft a task
Was interrupted to pot a plant, a question ask;
To read a book, or gaze
At God's great universe...
Would you do this:
Shed not one tear of grief for me. No fuller life
E're found this earth. No sojourn ever knew less strife.
Just say I've gone away,
And put my house in order...
Do this for me!