DEATHBED POEM.

Woodville Examiner, Volume XXVII, Issue 4514, 11 April 1913, Page 3 (Supplement)

DEATHBED POEM.

“ LAST MESSAGE” OF JOAQUIN MILLER.

“ At tho Final Parting ’’ is < f a poem by Mr. Joaquin Mdle > Poet ot tho Sierras, who died at San Faiioisco recently at the ago of 71. Tho poem was composed on his deathbed when ho knew the end w.as near A few hours before consciousness lo t him the aged poo t handed a painfully written eheot to Ins wifo with tho wnrd*<; . “ My last message to the world. f t hti i>oem mna :

Gould T but teach man to behove. Could I hut make small men to grow, To break frail spider-wohs that weave About their thews and hind them low : Could I but sing one song and lay Grim doubt. I then could go my way In tranquil silence, glad, serene, And satisfied from of! the scene. Put ah* this disbelief, this doubt. This doubt of God, this doubt of good, The damned spot will not out. Would’sE learn ‘ to know ono little flower. Its perfume, pci feet form, and hue— Vet, would'st thou lxav<j one perfect hour. Of all the years that como to you? Then grow as God hath planted : grow A lordly onk or daisy low, As Ho hath set His garden; ho Juwfc what thou art, or gnaw or trea. Thy treasures, up in Heaven laid, Await thv sure ascending soul— Lifts after life ; ho not afraid.