THE HIGHWAYMAN

 When Death rides down on me,

Like a highwayman on a lonely road,

And gives the sharp, inevitable command,

 "Stand and deliver,"

I shall not struggle as he snatches

All the bright jewels of memory

Which I have saved so long.

The glittering triumphs,

The glowing pleasures,

The bright coins of golden hopes fulfilled,

Let him take them all, if he but leave

 The memory of you;

For having this, I still have everything.

In you I have the freshness of the morning,

The slow warmth of Spring,

The sting of ocean spray against my face;

In you I have all beauty and all life.

So,

When Death rides down on me,

Like a highwayman on a lonely road,

I'll hide one jewel in the lining of my coat,

And keep it with me till the journey's end.

                                 - William Alexander