Rendezvous With Death

I have a rendezvous with Death
At some disputed barricade
When Spring comes back with rustling shade
I have a rendezvous with Death
And apple-blossoms fill the air
When Spring brings back blue days and fair

It may be he shall take my hand
And lead me into his dark land
And close my eyes and quench my breath

I have a rendezvous with Death
It may be I shall pass him still
On some scarred slope of battered hill
I have a rendezvous with Death
When Spring comes round again this year
And the first meadow-flowers appear

It may be he shall take my hand
And lead me into his dark land
And close my eyes and quench my breath

I have a rendezvous with Death
God knows 'twere better to be deep
Where love throbs out in blissful sleep
I have a rendezvous with Death
Pulse nigh to pulse, and breath to breath
I have a rendezvous with Death

So come on Death take my hand
Lead me to your dark land
And close my eyes and steal my breath

Rendezvous with Death
Rendezvous with Death

I have a rendezvous with Death
Pillowed in silk and scented down
At midnight in some flaming town
I have a rendezvous with Death
When Spring trips north again this year
Where hushed awakenings are dear

So come on Death take my hand
Lead me to your dark land
And close my eyes and steal my breath

Rendezvous with Death
Rendezvous with Death
Rendezvous with Death
Rendezvous with Death
Rendezvous with Death
Rendezvous with Death

And I to my pledged word am true
I shall not fail
I shall not fail that rendezvous