JUST ONE MORE BIRTHDAY

JUST ONE MORE BIRTHDAY

Just one more birthday, and then I’ll go quietly,
Half a century old I’ll follow that light,
Into the tunnel from which there’s no returning,
Into Death’s icy fingers, into that snowy night.

Just one more birthday to spend with my lover,
Inside the cool sweet comfort of his gaze,
That look of clear concern in his eyes that cover,
Cover me in the sweet sad splendor of my days.

Just another 360 days and some change,
Just twelve more months to ride along this range.
Just one more year to spend in animated glory.
One more brief spin of the earth to finish my story.

Just one more birthday and then I’ll be gone,
Over the mountainside, to set with the sun,
To live with the sainted, my masterpiece painted,
My sorry life untainted by the chords of an unfinished song.
One more birthday before you can find me, rising to an eternal dawn.

Off in the distance Gabriel’s horn is blowing,
And a glimpse of eternity makes a strong showing
And tells me the time is approaching,
Mortality encroaching with each precious step,
These feet of clay they turn to stone, stubborn and inept.

Just one more birthday and then I’ll go willingly,
Tell Mr. Death that his henchmen have won,
Half a century of life on this planet,
I say fond farewell to my friends every one.

Just one more year and I’ll have had my fill,
Washed up, beaten down, destitute, ill,
Half a century old, I will follow that light,
Into Death’s echo chamber, into that final night.

-Bruce Potts
Copyright 2011
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED