Pocahontas and Other Poems (New York)/Afraid to Die
AFRAID TO DIE.
"And deliver them who, through fear of death, were all their lifetime subject to bondage."—Hebrews, ii., 15.
Afraid to die!—afraid to sleep
In earth, our mother's tranquil breast,
Where snares and troubles vex no more,
And all the weary are at rest?
Afraid to die!—afraid to take
His hand who trod the shadowy vale,
And leads us on to pastures green,
And living streams that never fail?
Afraid to die!—afraid to bear
The pang that but a moment tries,
And, o'er the sway of pain and care,
Ascend to mansions in the skies?
Afraid to die!—afraid to leave
The cradle and the worthless toy,
And take our ripen'd being's crown,
And soar to consummated joy?
Afraid to die!—afraid to trust
His promise who shall burst the tomb,
And raise the renovated dust
More glorious from its transient gloom?
Afraid to die!—afraid to meet
The guardian bands who watchful wait,
And spread their radiant pinions wide
To bear us through salvation's gate?
Afraid to die!—prefer to be
A stranger in these courts below,
A pilgrim, when the lights of home
Bright through our Father's windows glow?
Afraid to die!—ah! what avails,
Whether by sickness, storm, or fire;
The ethereal essence finds its place,
And rises to the Eternal Sire?
Afraid to die?—O grant us grace,
Thou who didst dare the spoiler's strife,
Calmly to meet his cold embrace,
And soar to everlasting life.