The teacher scanned the rows of chairs
Each name recited, hers and his
Accounting for each student there.
“Does anyone know where Tommy is?”

“Oh, Tommy’s home because he’s ill”
Said little Mary, in reply.
And so it is with death’s cold chill
They just went home when our friends died.

We weep because we miss them so
And long to see their happy smile,
Remember they’re in heaven’s glow,
Where we will join them in a while.

Though we no longer see their face
And miss our sisters and brothers,
Their absence from this earthly place
Means they’re present in another.