Father Gatherer

If You will guard my little brood,
Keep them in Your perfect care,
Then there’s nothing else
I hoped for here
That is still ahead.

Thank You for the college bells,
And the Mississippi River.
Thank You for winding roads again,
And falling leaves, oh Tender Giver,
I am ready now.

Forgive the failures of my days
Try to remember what love I gave.
I am sorry I can’t surpass myself
I’m sorry for the words I should have saved,
The silence I should have kept.

I know this place was cruel to me,
But it felt like home still.
Thank You for letting me finish here
Thank You for the tenderness in Your will.

When the moment comes
To be at rest,
Bear me in arm
Cradled upon Your chest.