Death Has Crossed My Horizon

I do not heal as when I was young—
Time has slowed its gentle hands,
And left me in a hush of dusk,
With brittle bones and shifting sands.

The skies I once believed would stay
Have wept their stars and turned away,
And I—still dreaming—drift between
The shadowed now, the might-have-been.

My dreams are lucid, sharp as glass,
Each night I walk the years I've passed,
And find in faces I once knew
A silence I can’t quite undo.

Back then I wore a crown of light,
A girl who thought herself the sun—
What foolishness! To think the flame
Would never flicker, never run.

Immortal once—I breathed with stars,
And laughed at death as far, afar.
But now I feel his steady tread,
And hear him whisper near my bed.

I do not fear—pray understand:
All life must slip from mortal hands.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2025

Poem

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Rodrigues Avatar
July 19, 2025 at 3:26 PM
To live until old age is to experience much. I am almost 65. I can’t believe it! I don’t look it, but I can’t say I don’t feel it…sciatica…arthritis, wrinkles and spots…thankful to experience life. Enjoyed your poem, James!
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace