When I Must Leave You

When I must leave you for a little while,
please do not grieve and shed wild tears
and hug your sorrow to you through the years,
But start out bravely with a gallant smile;
Feed not your loneliness on empty days,
But fill each waking hour in useful ways;
Reach out your hand in comfort and in cheer
And I in turn will comfort you and hold you near;
And never, never be afraid to die.
For I am waiting for you in the sky!