How Long Will I Remember Thee?

'Til summer’s sundrenched lilies lay
Strewn about in quiet disarray
And His sweet nectar from His clouds
Refuses to prod them tall and proud.

‘Til His perpetual work doth cease
And summer’s fragrance opposes the breeze;
No songbird, no insects, no hurrying bees
And whispers no longer inhabit the trees.

‘Til darkness falls and stays forever
And the sun’s luminous rays surrender
And rusty clouds the moon surround,
On me thine impression will still abound.

‘Til rivers no longer embrace the sea
And creation provides no mystery.
‘Til mountains crumble to the ocean floor
And warm summer sunsets inspire no more.

‘Til the sky cracks and falls away
And blackness hastens the earth’s decay.
‘Til the days falter to bleak abandon
Will thy words be my constant companion.

Thy heart is born pure as snow
And newborn babes succumb or grow.
As thou hast proudly watched over me
So shall I today watch over thee.

‘Til my dying breath,
‘Til there’s nothing left
On the land or in the sea;
I will always remember thee.