When I lived so long that a child cannot find

Soft comfort within my arms,

When the midnight’s brilliant star-studded sky

No longer calms my alarms,

When my eyes cannot hold the sunset

And my ears find the melody gone,

Come, Lord, look me over closely.

Isn’t it time to move on?

When my mind cannot find those memories

That put all the zest in the years,

When I start to only remember the things

That always brought me to tears,

When I forget that a beautiful rainbow

Follows the thunderstorm,

That each star has its course in Your Heavens,

That many things make you feel warm ...

Then, Lord, examine, in earnest,

And remember the times I obeyed.

Just for the sake of the Son, we both love,

Come, Lord. Do not delay.

For, I’ve sung Your song to my babies.

I’ve carried a life within;

Recorded a beautiful picture,

Waged a war, in prayer, for my kin.

I’ve fallen and gone down bleeding.

Ah, but, You lifted up, again.

And, I’ve learned the best miracle of all

Is the life that’s set free from sin.

There’s naught to be gained by the tarry.

Lord, I’ve already seen enough.

When I’m feeble, worn, and weary;

I’ll be longing for Your tender touch.

While I am waiting and watching,

Fill all my dreams with You.

And, Lord, if, for me, there’s no work down here,

Could I just come on home with You?

2002 by Joan Clifton Costner

Copyrighted. All rights reserved.