When I Must Leave You

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 in 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! 

                                                   Helen Steiner Rice