The Ride Of The Shadows

Behind the pines, when sunset gleams, The white gates of the Land of Dreams Stand open wide, And all adown the golden road That leads from that most blest abode The shadows ride, Who in the light of common day May now no more abide.

They leave their meads of asphodel, The starry spaces where they dwell, Where quiet lies: They leave their windless, glassy sea, The angel songs and melody Of Paradise, To walk again the old-time way Once dear to mortal eyes.

With beating heart I watch them ride Across the gathering shades that hide That country bright; The faces that I loved of yore, Eyes that shall smile on me no more With mortal light; Shadows of all good things and fair Come from the past to-night.

So, when the dying sunset gleams Behind the hills, the Gate of Dreams Stands open wide; And all along the golden road From those fair mansions of their God Where they abide-- Dear memories of the days that were-- I see the shadows ride.