I don't need reminding
     though time is on my heels
     in impatience.  I know
     age is telling and I'm drifting
     toward the edge of final darkness
     with no return. Yet how calm
     tender, comforting are the echoes
     that are resonating in my being entire
     and how gladsome am I
     to embrace the ultimate beauty
     and poignancy as my heart
     reflects upon the kisses
     of lips, the songs sung and the touch
     that only love alone could ever impart

      for there's no loss nor diminution
      in the willing surrender
      to that which is more sublime, stronger
      than the dying.  All that life is
      is but a dream-felt harbinger
      to a glory and splendour
      beyond the ken of every earthly treasure

      come then,  come
      let me feel the pulse
      of this caressing ending
      that's but the beginning
      beautified, blessed and sanctifying
      the departing that's most endearing