The Dying Californian - Wilderun

Lay up nearer, brother, nearer

For my limbs are growing old

And thy presence seemeth nearer

When thine arms around me fold

I am dying, brother, dying

Soon you’ll miss me in your berth

For my form will soon be lying

'Neath the oceans briny surf

Tell my father when you see him

That in death I prayed for him

Prayed that I might only meet him

In a world that’s free of sin

Tell my mother, God assist her

Now that she is growing old

That her child would glad have kissed her

When his lips grew pale and cold

Will you gain what I’ve lost?

On this broken journey of trust

Carry my soul back hom

Paint me the land of our childhood

Tell m of love in their hearts

Show me the strength of our fathers

As you linger while I depart

And if death does not shine behind the white clouds

Harness my one final breath

Let it sweep cross the plains of their memories

And give wind to their sails as they venture into the dark

Can you grasp it my loyal brother?

Oh please help me.

I can’t find the way

Will the wind whisper of glory’s road?

Or will the skies shiver as this tales tragedy unfolds?

As the seas fall away, I hear

A child’s voice led astray

Father, the legends you passed down to me

They have not saved me the fate I’ve met

I’ve gathered your spark for their eyes to see

Can they light the candles we’ve left?

Silhouette stained in their minds

Cursed figure leaves them blind

Let go of this pain

She will still remain

Hear them speak your name

Listen brother, catch each whisper

Tis my wife I speak of now

Tell oh tell her how I missed her

When the fever burned my brow

Tell her she must kiss my children

Like the kiss I last impressed

Hold them as when last I held them

Held them closely to my chest

Drown my pride with the blood I’ve given

My selfish fear has despairful, tired eyes

If you catch them the flames forbidden

I can let the haunting storm subside

Through the beckoning, frozen horizon

A golden beam casts its life 'cross the earth

It was for them I crossed the ocean

What my hopes were I will not tell

But they gained an orphan’s portion

Yet he doth all things well

Tell them I have reached the haven

Where I sought the precious dust

And I gained a port called Heaven

Where the gold will never rust