Lifetime

I am the river, I have been immense With hope, great as the inner heart of spring- The reeds have huddled to my whimpering Amid the noon-time's staleness and suspense. Between the ruins of magnificence. Stained and autumnal, mournfully I sing, And then among my white beards muttering Grow old, and sleep into indifference.

I have no returning, onward is best. Close to the dark, sweet earth in every place. But with the sky's mark hidden in my breast. And a star's shadow falling on my face. Where shining spaces wait to fill with me, Death is the beautiful and bitter sea.