Into the West - Tim O'Brien

Lay down your sweet and weary head

Night is falling;

you have come to journey’s end.

Sleep now, and dream of the ones who came before.

They are calling from across the distant shore.

Why do you weep?

What are these tears upon your face?

Soon you will see

all of your fears will pass away,

safe in my arms

you’re only sleeping.

What can you see

on the horizon?

Why do the white gulls call?

Across the sea

a pale moon rises --

The ships have come to carry you home.

Dawn will turn

to silver glass

A light on the water

All souls pass.

Hope fades into the world of night

through shadows falling out of memory and time.

Don’t say, «We have come now to the end.»

White shores are calling you and I will meet again.

And you’ll be here in my arms

Just sleeping.

What can can you see

on the horizon?

Why do the white gulls call?

Across the sea

a pale moon rises --

The ships have come to carry you home.

And all will turn

to silver glass

A light on the water

Grey ships pass

Into the west.