Should You Go First

Should you go first and I remain
  To walk the road alone,
I'll live in memory's garden, dear,
  With happy days we've known.
In Spring I'll watch for roses red
  When fades the lilac blue,
In early Fall when brown leaves call
  I'll catch a glimpse of you.

Should you go first and I remain
  For battles to be fought,
Each thing you've touched along the way
  Will be a hallowed spot.
I'll hear your voice, I'll see your smile,
  Though blindly I may grope,
The memory of your helping hand
  Will buoy me on with hope.

Should you go first and I remain
  To finish with the scroll,
No length'ning shadows shall creep in
  To make this life seem droll.
We've known so much of happiness,
  We've had our cup of joy
And memory is one gift of God
  That death cannot destroy.

Should you go first and I remain,
  One thing I'd have you do;
Walk slowly down that long, lone path,
  For soon I'll follow you.
I'll want to know each step you take
  That I may walk the same.
For someday, down that lonely road,
  You'll hear me call your name.

--Albert Rowswell