I am forever

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death
where somebody, everybody wants to take my last breath
I'll keep my head up, stand straight and walk tall
Though my body is a target, my spirit can never fall
In the middle of the desert or the cold city streets
it's just a matter of time before I'm covered in the sheets
and when my number's up, when my time has finally come
I know I am forever as my body falls numb...

I will fear no evil, for Thou art with me
and in the heat of battle, I bow down on one knee
and thank you, Christ, for this unwavering courage
I thank you Lord for this faith that they will never discourage
My spirit cannot be killed by the actions of men
I'm not afraid to die, I'm afraid to never live again
There's a bullet with my name on it, that's how the story's told
I know I am forever as my body falls cold...

Thy rod and Thy staff, they comfort me
They shield me and protect me and they set me free
Free to be fearless facing the great unknown
and if I ever feel lonely, I know I'm never alone
You are my shepherd, Lord, I am always in your sight
and if I die today I'll be alive again tonight
and should I die tonight, I'll be alive again by dawn
I know I am forever as my spirit lives on...

This poem was a finalist in the July 2014 poetry contest