We almost catch the greetings, as we stand;
And reaching over, clasp them by the hand.
But not the old alone, the young and gay,
Have vanished from our earthly homes away,
Their mission ended here, they find above
Some blessed service still, for those they love.
O, not in sadness would we view the past,
For over all a rainbow tint is cast;
The Hand that sends the sunshine and the rain,
Has on us each bestowed more joy than pain!