if I should die today,
I would die without
ever having been
to China
without having read
Hemingway
with so many things
unseen
undone
still waiting
but knowing
that you love me.
if I should die today
I would be alright;
but if I had a choice
I'd rather die
having been to China
having read Hemingway
having seen your hair
slowly turning grey
having bought a house,
having lived in France,
when I'm nearly a hundred
and in your arms.