When I am dead, if some chastened one <br /> Seeing the 'item, ' or hearing it said <br />That my play is over and my part done <br /> And I lie asleep in my narrow bed - <br />If I could know that some soul would say, <br /> Speaking aloud or silently, <br />'In the heat and the burden of the day <br /> She gave a refreshing draught to me'; <br /> <br />Or, 'When I was lying nigh unto death <br /> She nursed me to life and to strength again, <br />And when I laboured and struggled for breath <br /> She smoothed and quieted down my pain'; <br />Or, 'When I was groping in grief and doubt, <br /> Lost, and turned from the light o'er the day, <br />Her hand reached me and helped me out <br /> And led me up to the better way'; <br /> <br />Or, 'When I was hated and shunned by all, <br /> Bowing under my sin and shame, <br />She, once in passing me by, let fall <br /> Words of pity and hope, that came <br />Into my heart like a blessed calm <br /> Over the waves of the stormy sea, <br />Words of comfort like oil and balm, <br /> She spake, and the desert blossomed for me'; <br /> <br />Better, by far, than a marble tomb - <br /> Than a monument towering over my head <br />(What shall I care, in my quiet room, <br /> For headboard or footboard when I am dead?): <br />Better than glory, or honours, or fame <br /> (Though I am striving for those to-day) , <br />To know that some heart would cherish my name <br /> And think of me kindly, with blessings, alway.<br /><br />Ella Wheeler Wilcox<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/when-i-am-dead/
