I'm Mortal

I'm Mortal - Posterity

In the ding-dong, long-song movement
of this unfinished symphony,
I long to hear the coda and know
that something remains; an echo
of a life-motif, a sprouting acorn
of reputation, or whisper it: 'fame.'
I know: my sandy footprints will wash away
under fierce breakers or the gentle lap,
and what I wish for is unattainable.
Zeno explains I will no more reach
my goal than walk the skyline's tightrope.
But if onlys, perhapses and may bes
are possibilities still - and if I run fast enough
my silhouette may breach the far horizon.

I'm Mortal - Hope

But still there is hope:
an eternal spring coiled tight
in my slowing heart.