George P Roberts

Obituary

Now, here I cache the useless pack
     I nevermore shall need;
And here I take the Longest Trail
     Wherever it may lead.
Beyond the Range—beyond the range
     Oh, strong and sure and free!
I quest for more than life has brought
     And more than eyes can see.

Oh, desert skies and desert stars
     And desert trails I knew;
Brown peaks that hold the dream of gold,
     I turn no more to you.
Oh, nevermore I turn to you
     At dawn or set of sun —
For campfire's light, or nuggets bright
     The golden day is done.

Now, stake for me a last, last claim
     And lay them there to rest
The trailworn feet, the weary hands,
     The still heart in my breast.
Earth's last prospecting trip is done,
     But somewhere, strong and sure,
My spirit seeks the Mother-lode
     Whose treasure shall endure.

Out, out beyond the farthest star,
     Beyond the last lone peak;
More fair than desert-born mirage
     The Glory Land I seek.
No monuments are on the trail,
     The way is dim and strange —
But light of God is on the land
     That lies Beyond the Range.