Death, thy servant, is at my door. [German translation]

Death, thy servant, is at my door.

He has crossed the unknown sea

and brought thy call to my home.

The night is dark and my heart is fearful --

yet I will take up the lamp,

open my gates and bow to him my welcome.

It is thy messenger who stands at my door.

I will worship him with folded hands, and with tears.

I worship him placing at his feet the treasure of my heart.

He will go back with his errand done,

leaving a dark shadow on my morning;

and in my desolate home only my forlorn self

will remain as my last offering to thee.

• Artist:Rabindranath Tagore