A tumor blinds one eye and stops both ears
so only murmurs penetrate as sons
who grieve me earnestly relate through tears
the sorrows they now feel as my death comes.
But I am old. My passions have expired.
No labors any longer test the strength
of my completed life. I have grown tired
of idleness that runs the day's full length.
I filled a lifetime unaware that pains
and trials closely intermixed with zeal
and so much striving love that still remains
would yield the satisfaction I now feel
as I survey this legacy I leave:
two sons with finished hearts that bow to grieve.
November 2009