The Journey Home Poem by Thomas Noel Smith

The Journey Home



Why do you come for me so soon,
With your somber smile
And your eager eyes?
I have just begun to live.
There are those who call your name
And beg for your visit.
Why do you come so soon for me?

He bowed and tipped his hat
And we talked awhile in earnest
He asked me then to see his coach

It was long and sleek and black
He asked me to sit with him inside
And he whispered softly to me
“There is no need to fear the end.”

We rode together past familiar places
Past the schoolyards I had known
Oh, so long ago
Past the old wooden church…
The voices still ringing
With songs of praise,
Past the home I knew when I was but a lad…
I still can hear mother’s voice.
Love and laughter filled that home.

Past the streets where I once walked
Past crowds of people gathered—
Laughing, singing, talking—
None shed a tear for me
None noticed my passing
None noticed the passing of the coach
In which I rode.

I stand at last outside the gate
And I fear to knock
But Death smiles at me
And encourages my hand

The gate opens wide
And I am ushered in
By the true love of my life
And the friends I thought were lost…
All were waiting here for me
To make the journey home

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