B31



Nor does death leap upon me unaware
Like some wild beast that hungers for its prey,
But gives me kindly warning to prepare:
Before I go, to kiss your tears away…
How sweet the summer! And the autumn shone
Late warmth within our hearts as in the sky,
ripening rich harvests that our love had sown.
How good that ere the winter comes, I die!
Then, ageless, in your heart I’ll come to rest
Serene and proud, as when you loved me best.


HZinsser