Leave Behind

Out of the life, I shall never takeThings of silver and gold I makeAll that I cherish and hoard awayWhen I leave these things on earth must stay.

Though I failed for a painting rareTo hang on my wall, I must leave it thereThough I call it mine and boast its worthI must give it up when I quit this earthAll that I gather and all that I keepI must leave behind when I fall asleep

And I wonder often, what will I ownIn that other life when I pass along.What shall He find and what shall He seeIn the soul that answers the call for me?

Will the Great Judge find when my task is throughThat my soul has gathered some riches, too?Or at the last it will be mine to findThat all I had worked for was left behind.