Gerardo F. Medina

When I must leave you for awhile,
Please do not grieve and shed wild tears
And hug your sorrow to
you through the years.
But start out bravely with
a gallant smile,
And for my sake and
in my name
Live on and do
all things the same.
Feed not your loneliness
on empty days,
but fill each waking hour
in useful ways.
Reach out your hand in
comfort and in cheer,
And I in turn will comfort
you and hold you near,
and never, never be afraid to die,
For I am waiting
for you in Paradise!