Breath By Breath

The young are sure they will not die

And if they die, what of it then,

They were not meant to slowly age

Amid the aging bones of men.

The beautiful cannot grow old

And lose the loveliness of eyes

The blush of rose upon a cheek

An elegance that time defies,

Fading blossoms year by year,

Dying softly week by week;

The quiet ones are most aware

Of mortal life’s fragility,

With calm acceptance see the days

Merge into eternity.

The learned ones know death the best

As the door that lets life through

To gather in a natal rest

And then the joyous quest renew.

The saints and sages know not death

Who take God in breath by breath.