To Fade Away Poem by Ted Middleton

Sweet mysteries of life it's said, reveal themselves upon deaths bed
Where knowing we've no time ahead - our mind regresses - so it's said
There are no questions on our mind, nor mysteries of any kind
The path we trod now answer lined, through closed eyes now we are not blind.

Good memories mingle in between, regrets that linger - seem obscene
The people, places we have seen, alas, they are now but a dream
The deeds and favours seen and done, our losses nulled by battles won
Of loves and comrades - days of fun, sadness that the end must come.

We lose the will to walk our trail, to challenge life with our assail
Our driven thoughts will not prevail, with ageing body, weak and frail
The days now seen through dimming eyes, forgetful mind, now not so wise
No one to hear our last goodbyes, or sadly weep at our demise.

Condemned are we for what's in store, as all here now and those before
Our wildest dreams cannot restore, what we once had, but will no more
Alas all life must go this way, another time - if not today
O welcome light that shines we pray, please come escort us on our way.