Here Am I

The World has shared my joy and pain,

And I have had my day;

My little life is almost done,

And I must haste away:

So, quietly, before I leave-

I’ll do no more than sit and breathe.

How many friends- and two are dogs-

Beguile me to the end;

That by their love cannot change,

Make Death a greater friend.

When Death cries ‘Next!’ and I must die,

Soft be my answer-‘Here am I.’