It Was I

It was I who held the lantern
As you bravely struggled by,
Gently reassured you
When you feared that you might die.

It was I who nursed your anguish
When I saw you lose your way,
Appeared when once you sank so low
On that dark oppressive day.

It was I when you were weary
Gave you my support,
The strength you found from somewhere
The strength to you I brought.

I wept to find you kneeling,
Willed you not to pray,
Instead prepare for better times
That wait not far away.

I watched you mourn my passing
I grieved for what I saw,
Regretting things could no more be
The way they were before.

No longer crave to see me
Just sense that I am near,
Nor curse I cannot join you
To face the things you fear.

For you now hold within you
The courage to fulfil,
Remember one who loved you then
The same who loves you still.