A Christian's Epitaph

Though I be from this earth forever gone,
Sing no sad songs for me.
For I see not life's sunset, but its dawn -
A harbinger of glorious eternity.
Bells may toll, and tears may be shed,
But rejoice in the Lord, and keep high your head!
My life has not ended, but just begun;
For I had two births, and not only one.
This sordid world was never my home;
Its corrupted pastures I not once sought to roam.
I was a tourist to earth, but passing through,
Looking always to my mansion beyond the blue.
But now have I arrived at my eternal abode,
And my service to the King can continue apace;
For I have shed sin's burdens, hassles, and loads
By God's unfailing and everlasting grace.