For the Anniversary of My Death
Every year without knowing it I have passed the day
When the last fires will wave to me
And the silence will set out
Tireless traveler
Like the beam of a lightless star
Then I will no longer
Find myself in life as in a strange garment
Surprised at the earth
And the love of one woman
And the shamelessness of men
As today writing after three days of rain
Hearing the wren sing and the falling cease
And bowing not knowing to what
-W.S. Merwin, 1993
Tomorrow's the anniversary of my birth; not to be morbid, but this one seemed appropriate.
Every year without knowing it I have passed the day
When the last fires will wave to me
And the silence will set out
Tireless traveler
Like the beam of a lightless star
Then I will no longer
Find myself in life as in a strange garment
Surprised at the earth
And the love of one woman
And the shamelessness of men
As today writing after three days of rain
Hearing the wren sing and the falling cease
And bowing not knowing to what
-W.S. Merwin, 1993
Tomorrow's the anniversary of my birth; not to be morbid, but this one seemed appropriate.
1 comment:
HAPPY BIRTHDAY! I'd rather celebrate your birth than your death. We'll have to get a pint together when you come back.
Love from Chicago,
April
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