His time was slowly waning,
His life, his worldly journey
now fading.
He was passing into Shadowland.

Visions of his past,
Times he thought would never last,
haunted him,
Now that his eyes were open.

Grief hunted him,
Pain consumed him
completely now.
What had he accomplished?

A Godly fear took hold
of this man, weak and old,
now dying.
And he begged for Love.

Sorrow replaced his dread,
Complete trust now wed
the aching heart.
His eyes turned to the Cross.

“Innocence!
How Thou wert tortured!
In Thy agony
Is also mine.”

The Dark Night now passing,
The Gentle Sleep now lasting
on his sultry brow.

His soul departed eagerly.
Beauty transformed his face,
The lines and years erased
in seconds
As though they'd never been there.

And on his stone, carved down deep
Were the words:
“Rest in Peace”,
For he had loved aright.