were I to sit on the edge of the pier
beyond which floated the end of time
if I allowed my legs to dangle above
the wave-chopped sea of eternity
my hands reposed on the weathered edge
of the last defined shape of reality
my sky-bared shoulders warmly caressed
by the billowing rays of a dying sun
my sightless gaze transfixed upon
a nova's blaze, the end is come
the seagulls cry in slow descent
wheeling their arcs
like feathered hands,
measured beats
of a failing clock.
Tick.
Tock.
The peace in my heart would slowly rise
to greet a withered star's embered fires,
two sons of creation in final embrace
inferno's blaze joins serenity's gaze.
For I have lived and I have loved
And I have run on the sun-swept shore
with my little white dog
and children in tow.
I have thrown my laughter
into the aeried heights
and tread the waves
of forgotten lakes.
I have witnessed my children
draw breath into life.
I have lived with every beat of my heart
in wonder, in grace, in gratitude.
And it is enough.
Tick.
Tock.
It is enough.
What images! Very creative verse, Seamus. The end of time? That's a hard one. He has put eternity into our heart. It is never enough, Our lives are like shooting stars that fizzle in a few seconds. But the source of life and light has promised to make our days like the days of a tree. Or why not like the days of a star? Why should the inanimate outlive the animate when the animate preceded the inanimate?
Thank you, Laurie! I entirely agree with your thoughtful insight. I attempted to weave into this poem a sense of peace, ironic to the setting of the end of all things- not a hopeless passivity- but, in accord with our shared understanding of our future and destiny, a peace that allows us to embrace even the collapse of the universe in the confidence and security of our position. Be blessed, my friend! :) S
If we could all witness our end as eloquently as you have written in this poem, it would be a blessed end! Wonderful write and I feel this work to be greatly inspired. I could not choose which line I enjoyed most, because all were enjoyed. Yes, even, Tick, tock.
Thank you, kind sir! Your words of gracious encouragement are welcome, indeed. Be blessed, good Captain in all your adventures. :)
Sublime poem Felt every deep concept of Life, Creation, and Death. that you have so well put into words. But that causes deep turmoil in the sensitive heart. none the less. The sensitive heart that with such mastery you displace from its comfort's nest. Poetry that you can feel and makes us think, at its very best.
Speaking of sublime, Sandra, thank you for your gracious comment, which is poetry itself. I love the thought of comfort's nest─what an intriguing and palpable image. Take care, and be blessed my friend, S
This poem has not been translated into any other language yet.
I would like to translate this poem
Yes, yes, yes... the over-riding gratitude... well-done, Seamus.
HI, Bill! ! Thanks so much for stopping by and reading! So glad you enjoyed it, and thanks always for the kind words of encouragement. Be blessed, my friend! .