For many years, I’ve stood alone;
I’ve watched the world grow old and gray;
I’ve seen the lands around me fail;
I’ve viewed events both wild and fey.

But I’ve observed some joyful times,
Where life is full of lilies white;
Where waterfalls and rivers sing;
Which make for such a pretty sight.

Yet through the years there was one scene:
A home that welcomed all who came
A life where peace and patience thrived
A love that none on earth could maim.

I was there the day he came
Into this world, so full of joy;
A bright and glorious morning ’twas—
My heart sang for that little boy.

I watched him grow into a tot,
Then boyhood took ahold of him.
His hair was bronze, his eyes were grey,
His face was fair, his figure slim.

Perseverance marked his air
Determination was his theme
Though failing time and time again
Persistence brought about a dream.

And though as cunning as a fox
Good honesty his face displayed
A lie had rarely crossed his lips
A loyal friend, he ne’er betrayed

Into manhood he matured
And married she whose love he sought
From there a child was born to him
A gift that tender joy had brought.

But happiness did not long last,
And sorrow struck a broken heart;
For there lay one without a breath
His child, from him was torn apart.

His wife not long survived the loss;
That broken man was left behind
No hope was left for him, and yet
He still pressed on with hope in mind.

What cause had he to hope, my friend?
His life was torn by pain and grief.
And yet, one thought, one man alone
Brought joyful peace and sweet relief.

For ever were his faithful eyes
Directed to his precious King
Who, too, had borne such cruel pain
The worst of any suffering.

His love sustained the weakened life
Of this dear man whose tired soul
Continued in life’s toilsome way
Without repose, without control.

An old man now, his life was gone,
But still he trudged his weary path;
His face though marked with doubtless pain
Was gentle with no trace of wrath.

His death was not a big affair,
Yet those who knew his heart were moved;
The life that bore such pain, and yet
His gentle love and joy had proved.

For such is he whose patience wins
Above his selfishness and pride.
A legacy was left behind,
A one that hopelessness defied.