The One Behind You, O Great Man! Poem by RIC BASTASA

shall i listen
to the litany of
your achievements?

shall i sit here
like a vase
and you will be the
most beautiful
rose?

shall i devote
my time to the greatness
of your
book?

shall you make me
wait
until i will tell
you that
you have become
greater than
us?

what is the need?
the hours are shortened
the days are melting
the sun is fading
behind you
Death is smiling.

you are too preoccupied
with what you can see
you have lost sight of
who is at your back
Death is winking.

shall i drink this cup?
shall i wear this coat?
shall i have your shoes?
you are too preoccupied
about yourself
you have not seen what
is behind you.
Death is opening its arms
to enclose you now.

what a waste of time.
what a load of guilt.
i shall never write
about an impending death.