Caught unaware, the dawn light slowly rising

My mind still coddling gentle thoughts of you,

Beyond, the waning shadow world enticing

Me to join them as they bid adieu.

I know there to I will yet someday follow

When heaven’s torch shall cease to light my way,

There I shall greet them in their sleepy hollow—

Where weary souls in gentle sojourn stay.

You are still the sacred tie that binds me

To this wide stage that ever hails the sun

And stays my passage to nihility

Where, reft of you, I shall eke on alone.

For this sole cause in mortal light I bide,

And shun all gloom that might your visage hide.