i've walked life's path in gentle stride

thru weather good and bad

now i stand upon the mountain top

amazed by where I've been

gazing across the valley's

long and rocky road

memories become companions

i am old, i am old

the reaper stalks the bushes

and i feel his presence near

yet, i can hear the master saying

child i am here

as i look to all horizons

strange beauty I behold

rod and staff to comfort

i am old, i am old

but when i am united

and receive eternal rest

they will all be waiting

forever i'll be blessed

i see the angel Michael

eternity comes to me

released from this old body

i am free, i am free

Athens, Ohio '77