codex002489-079v

The Living Edgar A Guest.
You will praise him when he's gone
When his earthly struggle closes.
You may send him florist's roses
His dark bier to lie upon;
When he cannot hear or see,
You will very friendly be,
But 'twere better far, he'd vow,
If he had your friendship now.

You will speak about his worth
When he has no need of fame,
You will glorify his name
When at last he quits the earth;
And if he should today,
Many kindly things you'd say,
But I wonder why do men
Always seem to wait till then?

When the frost is on his cheek
And his hands lie still & cold,
All his good deeds will be told.
Those who're silent now will speak;