If I should die to-night, <br />My friends would look upon my quiet face <br />Before they laid it in its resting-place, <br />And deem that death had left it almost fair; <br />And, laying snow-white flowers against my hair, <br />Would smooth it down with tearful tenderness, <br />And fold my hands with lingering caress, -- <br />Poor hands, so empty and so cold to-night! <br /> <br />If I should die to-night, <br />My friends would call to mind with loving thought <br />Some kindly deed the icy hands had wrought, <br />Some gentle word the frozen lips had said, <br />Errands on which the willing feet had sped; <br />The memory of my selfishness and pride, <br />My hasty words would all be put aside, <br />And so I should be loved and mourned to-night. <br /> <br />If I should die to-night, <br />Even hearts estranged would turn once more to me, <br />Recalling other days remorsefully; <br />The eyes that chill me with averted glance <br />Would look upon me as of yore, perchance, <br />And soften in the old familiar way, <br />For who could war with dumb, unconscious clay? <br />So I might rest, forgiven of all to-night. <br /> <br />Oh, friends! I pray to-night, <br />Keep not your kisses for my dead, cold brow: <br />The way is lonely, let me feel them now. <br />Think gently of me; I am travelworn; <br />My faltering feet are pierced with many a thorn. <br />Forgive, oh, hearts estranged, forgive, I plead! <br />When dreamless rest is mine I shall not need <br />The tenderness for which I long to-night.<br /><br />Arabella Eugenia Smith<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/if-i-should-die-tonight-2/
