While
walking down the street one eve,
A drawn old man tugged at my
sleeve.
His face was wrinkled, thin and
white
As the pale moon that shines at
night.
I
did not see from whence he came,
Nor did I hear him call my name.
He merely stood so frail and
meek;
He made no sound, nor did he
speak.
I
tried to smile and pass him by,
But I was held there by his eye.
His eye had put me in a trance
As though it were a gypsy's
dance.
He
quickly led me to the park.
I saw a bench there in the dark.
A blazing star fell from the sky
And cast its light into his eye.
I
heard him say (his voice so low
I knew he meant just me to
know),
"The night is long-the moon
is dim-
One who sees me shall soon see
Him."
His
voice was calm-his touch was
light
And yet, my heart was filled
with fright.
I quickly rose and tried to
leave,
But still he held me by my
sleeve.
He
said, "I am His sign to
you.
Take heed, for when the sky
turns blue
The sun will rise, then fade
away
And you will see Him upon this
day."
"At
last you'll go to sleep once
more.
Then, I will come knock at your
door.
You'll rise and climb the stairs
with me
Where you will stay through
eternity."
"Angels
will sing and play the harp,
For from this world you shall
depart."
With these last words he dropped
my arm
And then I saw he meant no harm.
I
knew that now I could depart.
His message burned within my
heart!
The moon sank down as I walked
home.
No more had I an urge to roam.
This
mortal's mind is filled with
doubt.
What was his message all about?
Could this old man have spoke
the truth?
Will I be called while in my
youth?
The
night is long-the moon is dim.
What did he mean, "You will
see Him?"
I heard his voice so soft and
low
And yet, I did not see him go.
Soon
I will know for dawn is near
And now I feel no pangs of fear.
I'll ask not why if death should
come,
But breathe a prayer, "Thy
will be done."
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