…I shall remember still

Our waking moments fly, gone before us
I have to say goodnight as the sun sets
as evening falls there is a gleam of gold in the grey
do not grieve that it is over, I shall be with the stars soon
and doubtless I shall remember still
do not turn your head away the night is falling fast
the world changes under my hand, be sure that out of the darkness
there will be a place of light where I shall find you
as evening falls the light withdrawn
into the ancient net of time I have cast my lot
bring me roses and jasmine wet with dew
a mist is driving down, is that rain that I hear?
you will be in me as the eternal moods
my soul goes forth into peace
and doubtless I shall remember still
as I fall into the cradle of sleep, stand by my side
the path I must travel is lit by a full moon
look back when you leave and know that I will follow
the wind works against us in the dark
roses and gold, jasmine and tears
look out upon the stars my love
there are things that have no end
when I go back to the earth, leave all these things unsaid
I have to say goodnight
the air is like a butterfly, light and lazuline
and now one quietly solemn thought
we have spoken of love so many ways
you know that I will stay with you, here falls no darkness
I feel my face in the wind, in the sun and the warmth of the day
yet I feel gentle snow whisper about me
shades of night are rolling in, I fall soon into darkness
stand here by my side, see, I return in halls of sleep
I will wander home, passing through ancient walls
within my hand I hold my heart I bring it back to where it lives
look out upon the stars my love, grieve not for the invisible
doubtless I shall remember still
© Ann Bagnall 
2012