IF THERE IS NO HEREAFTER.
Reading edition
If soul has no hereafter, What is the unknown bond That bindeth soul to matter, And what is the beyond? What is the power that buildeth? What is the mind that wills? What is the power within us That all our being thrills? If there is no hereafter What use to us was birth? We’re naught but vegetation Encumbering the earth. If knowledge had been given Of th’ power that brought us here— The law of living, dying.— Of death we’d have no fear. We’d start on our new journey, And would not death regret. These questions are deep problems Which sometime must be met. This life would be a failure If naught there was beyond; No tie twixt soul and matter, No everlasting bond. O Thou Almighty Father! Canst be that soul must die? O listen to my pleading, O Father hear my cry! O tell me what is dying? I would by Thee be taught.— Give me the glimpse of heaven Which I so long have sought.—