Come, Oh Death! Poem by Thomas Noel Smith

I’ve watched the great parade of men
Go proudly marching by,
Strutting onward, pretending glory…
And leaving me on this lonely plain alone.

In my anguish
I’ve called to Death,
Whose truth is found in timeless time,
But he doesn’t come to lead me away
To join that great parade of men

The music of life has lost its tune
And the candle’s flame sways,
As the night breeze softly sings,
Chanting my hollow name.

Come, oh Death and dance with me
I will sing your song
And together down the road we’ll waltz
To the place where the others have gone.

The music of life is no longer sweet
And wine is bitter on my tongue.
The candle’s flame jumps
As the night breeze
Calls my name.

Come, oh Death, and dance with me
I will be your song
Together down the road we’ll waltz
To the place where others have gone.