Renee, I will miss you always and forever..... THE PASSING Death came into the world one day, And scanned the passing throng. Some with a sigh upon the lips And others with a song. "I will be merciful," he said, "In choosing mine to-day, Since at the Lord's command I take One soul from earth away." The poor, the sick, the aged, the weak, He slowly passed them by, "A little longer, I will wait, So soon, they too, must die." Until at last he found a face Most sweet and passing fair, With sunshine laughing in her eyes, And shining on her hair. Her soul knew not of vicious crime, Nor aught of craven fears, Nor had she gauffed from sorrow's cup, Nor wasted fruitless tears. Her mind was full of tender hopes, Her eyes with love ashine, And not a care, upon her face Had left a fretful line. "I will not leave thee, child," said Death, "Until the sordid years Have shown thy heart, lifes's bitterness, And taught thine eyes, its tears." So stooping low, he pressed a kiss Upon her forehead white, And smiling sweetly in his arms, She passed from human sight. And people spoke of cruel Death And wept in sad despair, Because the Angel of the Lord, Had left his footprints there. Old age, and sorrow, sickness, tears, She left them all behind. But we who wept beside her grave, Knew not that Death was kind. -Elenor Dameron McClaren