Spion Kop
(January 24, 1900.)
YOUNG Never-Grow-Old, with your heart of gold,
And the dear boy's face upon you;
It's hard to tell, though we know it well,
That the grass is growing upon you.
Flowers and grass, and the graveyard mould,
Over the eyes of you, Never-Grow-Old,
Over the heart of you, over each part of you,
All your dear body, our Never-Grow-Old.
Never-Grow-Old, the theft of Time,
His daily stealthy robbing,
Is not for you—slain in your prime
This one thought stays my sobbing.
Never for you the flagging strength,
The warm young heart grown cold,
You earn your child pet-name at length,
We called you "Never-Grow-Old";
Kissed curls, and called you "Young Never-Grow-Old."
Never-Grow-Old, your curly head
Will never streak with grey;
Young Always-Young, your springing tread
Will never pass away.
The morning glory of your eyes
Will light you now and ever;
You keep your boyhood in the skies,
The other side the River;
River that flows by the City of Gold,
River of Healing, dear Never-Grow-Old.
Never-Grow-Old, your rosy dawn
Outlives our weary even;
Young Always-Young, so lately drawn
Up to the highest heaven;
The youngest 'mid the angel bands
That shout among the stars,
And wing to work their Lord's commands
Beyond our prison bars.
God's soldier still, through the streets of gold,
In your shining harness, Never-Grow-Old.
Young Never-Grow-Old, with your heart of gold,
And the dear boy's face upon you,
It's hard to tell, though we know it well,
That the grass is growing upon you;
But the trials of earth are a tale that's told,
And your pain is over, Never- Grow-Old.
Peace and long rest for you—maybe its best for you,
Only remember us, Never-Grow-Old,
One whose love aches for you, one whose heart breaks for you
Missing you daily, dear Never-Grow-Old.