life is such a tiny spark
it flickers then grows
on firmly to crescendo sure
then steadily it slows

gently now the mellowing
the softening of the years
inevitably to fade to where
reduces us to tears

from where I've wondered many times
comes love and its rapport
and where's it go that deepest sense
leaving but a sore

sobbing heart and aching soul
not understood by mortals
unfinished though and unspoken words
all vanish through the portal

of life's mystique its plan its loss
and true we always should
tell loved one true what's in the heart
be kindly and do good

for when they're gone no earthly plan
no pain no anguish deep
can ever then relate to them
your want and soul in sleep

deep inside felt the gasping loss
of father friend or mother
the clutching throat the moistened eye
the same for one another

yet still we hold back do not tell
of love and admiration
pride crushes all and poisons life
ourselves we should be facing