…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the light withdrawn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