RECKONING

What force inclined your flame
toward the next stretch

of Eternity, sister, 

setting you upon the course to

the fateful culmination 

of an unfathomable plan?

When did you mount that unseen

tide that would bear

you to shores beyond knowing?

What tempest impaired

your earthly Bridge,

rendered its trestles fragile,

fashioned your casket from your

own inner Spring?

At what moment did you take your

leave of Life, sister? 

Did you preside over your passing,

over each step, discarding

belief, spurning lucid thought?

Did I hear a subdued parting in your

voice that seemed farther 

each day, a tacit farewell in words

falling away, in whispers

that echo still, and stab the breath

from my being.

Yes, you grew into sorrow, for smiles

sat as strangers upon your face,

as Summer in the snow.

Your last breaths you bestowed upon

your beloved roses, 

for they flourished even as you faded.

Did you glow brightest with life,

ere you surrendered to death?

Did Darkness beckon, sister,

or Light?

© 2016 Lily's Verse

Lilium Candidum

Image: AN ELEGY

Source: www.liveinternet.ru

Artist: Frederic Leighton