Of Death And Life Poem by Alfred Gibbs Campbell

I

I know that I shall die;
But wherefore should I sigh?
Did sighing e'er abate
Inevitable fate?


The grave is dark and drear;
But what have I to fear?
Nor pain nor pleasure 's hid
Beneath the coffin's lid.


My friends will me forget;
But why should I regret?
Nor human love nor hate
I then reciprocate.


But all is cold and dark;
No unextinguished spark
Of life to me remains,
Of hopes, or joys, or pains.


Yet fear I not the foe;
But, ready for Death's blow,
Resignedly await
Inexorable fate.


II

But Death, the monster cold,
Shall not forever hold
My soul in his embrace;
For death shall end his race.


Yes, Death destroyed shall be,
And immortality,
(God's gracious gift to man,)
Complete His wondrous plan.


Then shall Death's victims be
From his dominion free,
Reborn as Sons of God,
With His own life endowed.


Then shall Love's gentle reign
Bind, with electric chain,
Each human heart to each,
Far as the race shall reach.


And Earth, in harmony
With all the Heavens, shall be
Christ's Heritage restored,
The Kingdom of our Lord!