Poems (Barker)/One By One

by Alice J. Green Barker

For works with similar titles, see One By One.

One By One.

One by one they cross the river,
 One by one they press the strand;
One by one they pass the portal
 Of the bright eternal land.

One by one the crowns are given
 Set with gems of truest worth.
Sparkling Jewels which they gather
 In their journey while on earth.

Some with bright unspotted garments
 Quickly press the shining stair;
Others wait beside the portal,
 'Till their garments grow more fair.

But in fancy we can see them
 With their teet upon the strand,
E'er the angel bids them enter
 To the glories of the land.

Must we wait beside the portal?
 When shall end life's bitter care,
Or with bright unspotted garments
 Quickly press the shining stair.

And when looking through the vista
 Of the golden steps before,
Hear the pattering sound of footsteps,
 As we did in days of yore.

While we press the dainty figure
 Of some loved one, bright and fair
Who with radiant smile has met us
 Half way up the "golden stair."

One by one they cross the river,
 One by one they press the strand,
One by one they pass the portal
 Of the bright eternal land.