WENDY STERN - POEMS

Dying softly

 

 

Dying slowly,

With each breath,

As the winter crocus

Opens.

 

Dying lightly,

With each breath,

As pussy willow

On the water.

 

Dying softly,

With each breath,

As honeysuckle

On the breeze.

 

Dying gracefully,

With each breath,

As the mountain eagle

Swoops.

 

Dying gently,

With each breath,

As the morning river bank

Stirs.

 

Dying gratefully,

With each breath,

As one who bathes

In a summerhot lake.

 

Dying joyfully,

With each breath,

As one who greets

The Buddha.

 

Dying sweetly,

With each breath,

As the midnight hawk

Calls.

 

Dying purely,

With each breath,

As a cool Himalayan

Spring.

 

Dying peacefully,

With each breath,

As one who has

Forever.