The End Of The Trail

Sunset--and the end of the Trail; Here the last faint footsteps fail And I go on alone Into the untracked ways; I who in other days Blazed many a road straight up To the peaks that touch the sun-- But now is the climbing done.

No more to my feet the trail; No more to my hand the rein; No more--Ah! never again The sun and the wind, and free! The far stars over me! As the Wilderness called I went; Now deep and solemn and low A Mightier calls--and I go.

Nor guide nor compass nor sign; Face out, to the uttermost dark; And the wind in the strong boughs--Hark! Paean and dirge for a king! Life, I have loved you well; Forget the rest when you tell-- This soul did not falter, nor quail, Nor shrink at the end of the Trail.