Poems (Smith)/Weep Not for Me

by Martha A. Smith

WEEP NOT FOR ME.

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Weep not for me, when I am dead,
And laid within my narrow bed;
Shed not a tear o'er my lone bier,—
With the trumpet-sound I shall appear.

Weep not for me, but let me rest,
With cold hands folded o'er the breast.
Think how sweet my sleep will be,—
Prepare for death, then follow me.

Weep not for me; but pray to God
That when thou liest beneath the sod,
Thy troubles o'er and sorrows past,
That we may meet in Heaven at last.

Weep not for me; with heart oppress'd,
I've longed so much for this sweet rest.
Should sorrows ever rend thy heart,
You'll wish, like me, from earth to part.

Weep not for me, but save your tears;
You'll need them all in after years.
And many tears perhaps you'll shed
Ere you lie sleeping with the dead.

Weep not for me, nor heave a sigh:
Relieved of all my cares I die,
And pass beyond this vale of tears,
Where grief or sorrow ne'er appears.

Weep not for me; but strive to live
So that your God to you may give
A peaceful life, with happy love,
And meet at last in Heaven above.

Weep not for me; the end of life
Will end all sorrow, care, and strife.
To each and all I bid adieu,
Trusting in Heaven to meet with you,

Weep not for me; my spirit love
Will wait for you in Heaven above,
Until the trumpet-sound is given,
When we'll again unite in Heaven.