"She died a Christian death," the rector said

"She died a Christian death," the rector said.

But how could the rector know his mother's mind?

What could he know, except that she was dead? 

He'd spent the last few days beside her bed.

She knew she was dying, yet was calm and kind.

"She died a Christian death," the rector said.

Meaning what?  That she heard the astral tread

Of angels, bringing sight unto the blind?

What could he know except that she was dead?

Some fight the dying of the light; instead

She faced her fate, apparently resigned.

"She died a Christian death," the rector said.

What did he picture?  Seraph wings outspread,

The mortal fetters ceasing at last to bind?

What could he know, except that she was dead?

He claimed to be sure of what was in her head.

She knew her God, and knew what she would find.

"She died a Christian death," the rector said.

What could he know, except that she was dead?