Robert William Service

Last Look

What would I choose to see when I
To this bright earth shall bid good-bye?
When fades forever from my sight
The world I've loved with long delight?
What would I pray to look on last,
When Death shall draw the Curtain fast?

I've loved the farewell of the Sun,
Low-lapsing after work well done;
Or leaping from a sea forlorn,
Gold-glad to greet a day new born...
Shall I elect to round my dream
The Sun I hail as Lord Supreme?

Ah no! Of Heaven's shining host,
It is the Moon I love the most;
And if, when I shall cease to be,
God lets me keep one memory
Of loveliness that held me thrall,
The Moon's the one I would recall.

...The new Moon fine as pearly clip
From Cleopatra's finger-tip;
...The ripe Moon vaulting o'er the trees
As ruddy as a Cheddar cheese;
...The late Moon, frail and wanly fair,
Relaxed on silver rocking chair...

But most of all, the Moon intense
With radiant indifference;
So placid, glacid, pure, serene,
Of all perfection proudly Queen...
Oh Mistress Mine, let me adore
Your beauty but one moment more!
One last look... Let the Curtain fall,
Then let me look no more at all.