Wake Me Father When September Ends

Wake me Father when September ends Cannons flare around me Father Man and dust rise and fall; My Lethe hence leaves me Father, By my shadow, Father I find myself forsaken……… This crimson pallor, this ambient hue, I look over my shoulder; lick the clear moist dew; Distant shouts echo around me Father, These flaming clouds bring thoughts askew……… I remember Father, those fragrant October days My friends around me Father, above me thy rays I envision the clear mountain streams, In reminiscence of my golden plains …… I remember Father, those balmy October days, Whence upon my shoulder, my lover’s head lay; Her hands, pure and warm on holding mine, Would take all my pains away……… Give me a little more strength Father, Please let me live through this day, Alive though I may remain in anguish, Short I believe is this pain……… Give me a place in thy bosom Father, Shield me Father from the heat of this day, This world decays around me Father, Burning and melting this world decays……….. Shelter me in thy bosom Father, Let me rest my ailing self, Let peace return to this world Father, And wake me Father when September ends……

Debojyoti Roy