I would be ready, Lord,
My house in order set,
None of the work thou gavest me
To do unfinished yet.
I would be watching, Lord,
With lamp well trimmed and clear,
Quick to throw open wide the door,
What time thou drawest near.
I would be waiting, Lord,
Because I cannot know
If in the night or morning watch
I may be called to go.
I would be waking, Lord,
Each day, each hour for thee;
Assured that thus I wait thee well,
Whene'er thy coming be.
I would be living, Lord,
As ever in thine eye;
For whoso lives the nearest thee
The fittest is to die.
--Margaret J. Preston.