Away

I cannot say, and I will not say
That he is dead! He is just away!
With a cheery smile, and a wave of the hand,
He has wondered into an unknown land.
And left us dreaming how very fair
It must be, since he lingers there.
And you - O you, who the wildest yearn
For the old-time step and the glad return -
Think of him faring on, as dear
In the love of There as the love of Here;
Think of him still as the same, I say;
He is not dead - he is just away!
-- James Whitcomb Riley.