I don't need
to be reminded:
I feel it
to my very skin
and bone-
this my frailty
and mortality

every old person
on this
does reflect-
alone-

few years left
in the last winters -
gazing
at the snows falling
each flake
is like a human tear
while the frail leaves
are falling
one by one
on the waiting
desolate ground-

no question
will I ask
where heaven
will be found

I've laughed
I've wept

I've fallen
I've risen

I've sung
I've been dumb

I've gone
forward
and stepped
backward

I've dreamt
and seen
them fade

I've lent
a hand
when I could
and not asked
to be reciprocated

on promises made
by friends
I've witnessed
their sad failing

I've loved
but never hated

into the utmost
depths of myself
I've delved
there's nothing
left
to be lamented
or regretted

how calm
is tonight
there isn't
a single light
in the sky

I hear
the winds
in their moan
and sigh
yet I
not for
a moment
am afraid
that I might die
ere the break
of the morning bright

from the hills
a gentle echo
drifts to my ears:
be glad
feel blessed
when
the hour is nigh

hold nothing
feel empty
let go
of every
earthly thing

welcome
celebrate
the greatest
peace
the most exquisite
beauty
that's drawing by

this moment
worship and embrace

sing, sing
a song of gratitude
of joy, of delight

smile
do not cry
in the darkness
is the  blessed light!