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Hidden Legacies (Lullaby)

Sleep, final sleep. A loving vigil now I keep.
But hope and pray some strength you’ll find,
The strength to leave us far behind.
Your painful smile, your labored breath
Seem worse, by far, than simple death.
Now, sleep, final sleep. Sleep.

Can you leave if I tell you that it’s time?
You’re reached the top, there’s nothing left to climb,
No mountain peaks, no valleys far below
Are left for you. It’s time for you to go.

Peace, rest, release. Your earthly struggle now must cease.
A subtle difference now seems clear
The thought of death now holds no fear.
You’ve taught me much I did not know
And now it’s time for you to go.
So, peace, rest, release. Peace.

Can you leave if I tell you that it’s best
For both of us? I want you now to rest.
Don’t think of loss, just think of what you gain
By letting go, forgetting all your pain.
Now, sleep, final sleep.
Sleep.

Dream, Journey’s end. I say farewell my finest friend.
Turn inward now and try to find
Your spirit journey now defined.
Remembered laughter, warm and free,
Will be your final gift to me.
Now rest. Sleep. Dream. Release. Peace.
Peace… Peace.

 

Copyright ©1992 John Hall & Roger Bourland

Commissioned and Performed by the Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles. Funded in part by the Cultural Affairs Department, City of Los Angeles.

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