All human things are subject to decay.

Beauty is momentary in the mind.

The curfew tolls the knell of parting day.

If Winter comes, can Spring be far behind?

Forlorn! the very word is like a bell

And somewhat of a sad perplexity.

Here, take my picture, though I bid farewell,

In a dark time the eye begins to see

The woods decay, the woods decay and fall—

Bare ruined choirs where late the sweet birds sang.

What but design of darkness to appall?

An aged man is but a paltry thing.

If I should die, think only this of me:

Crass casualty obstructs the sun and rain

When I have fears that I may cease to be,

To cease upon the midnight with no pain

And hear the spectral singing of the moon

And strictly meditate the thankless muse.

The world is too much with us, late and soon.

It gathers to a greatness, like the ooze.

Do not go gentle into that good night.

Fame is no plant that grows on mortal soil.

Again he raised the jug up to the light:

Old age hath yet his honor and his toil.

Downward to darkness on extended wings,

Break, break, break, on thy cold gray stones, O sea,

And tell sad stories of the death of kings.

I do not think that they will sing to me.

R.S. Gwynn

From No Word of Farewell: Poems 1970-2000, Story Line
Press, (c) 2001.  Used by permission of the author.