Shadow Song

Go gently into that good night.
You taught us well. Nothing can stay.
Everything we love arrives at the light.

Those who embrace failure as insight
who see that work at its best is play
go gently into that good night.

Though many believe that to be alive is to fight
till the last drawn breath, to keep time at bay,
everything that lives arrives at the light.

Those who know the magic of starlight
does not end with break of day
go gently into that good night.

A poet chants whatever is, is right.
Another swears we grieve it on its way.
Everything that lives arrives at the light.

Which is more true, sunset or its bright
echo? Both are brief and they
go gently into that good night.
Everything we love arrives at the light.

 

© George Amabile