Benediction on Grey Wings
When first your time was granted,
And first your halo glowed,
When you first saw sunlight slanted
On the earth and trees below
When first you gazed with wonder
At the world all around
From your mem'ry torn asunder,
As an orphan child found
Your name to you forbidden
On this floating piece of earth
Then your wings, which once were hidden,
Came to you by bloody birth.
The town receives with blessing
Those whose wings and hearts are grey
Who while in the morn confessing
On the morrow fly away.
In time your halo darkened
Though your understanding grew,
To the calling cry you hearkened,
'Come ye forth,' it said to you.
In your final days reflected
Are your laughter, and your tears
And the memories collected there
Will echo through the years.
And now that you have flown,
Your companions left behind,
Sing to times that you have known
For their hearts, and peace of mind.
The path ahead may yet seem long
And yet do not be grieved—
It yet be sure: an ye be gone
Then yet ye'll be received.