The Race

With time I had a life long race But it was far too quick for me, I tried my best to match its steps Because it trailed my destiny. When I fathomed my time was up I had to stop this maddening race, The best in life was left behind Squandered away without a trace. The race had purged my final breath And with it went my life-long song, My dreams and hopes all put away With me sealed in a box oblong. When dusk upon my bier lay The heavens paused that I could be, Given some time to catch my breath Could there be greater irony? ***********