...I Will Die

With gentle breeze stirring I will die,
When butterflies tickle my belly, I will die.

Tree leaves will mellow before I last sigh,
And, birds will choir where I will die.

Abrasive handfuls of dirt will baptize my eyes,
Somewhere in the Bluegrass Mountains, I will die.

A stream will pass my grave's side as it draws nigh;
Beneath an August sunset, there, I will die.

A locket of earth will hold my body's loss without pry,
From death and decay... I will die.

NaPoWriMo 2011, day 2

20 comments:

Kay said...

Oh my goodness. This is so sad. Beautiful, but sad.

Ryan said...

This poem sent a chill down my spine, fantastic work as it certainly prompted a reaction as all good poetry should. Good luck with the poetry comp.

Carver said...

Poignant and beautiful poem.

Crafty Green Poet said...

very sad poem...

Al said...

That's a powerful poem. I've seen enough death in my life that I'm somewhat accustomed to it, but I'd like it to stay away from me for a few more decades if possible!

Deb said...

I love "A locket of earth will hold my body's loss without pry" so much.

xoxo

angie said...

oh, how beautiful, Michelle! I love the images, especially "the locket of earth." there's nowhere better in the world to be than those mountains...

(is this a ghazal?) I have a hard time remembering forms with looking them up!

Naquillity said...

angie hello. yes, this is a ghazal. i thought it conveyed the prompt best. glad you liked it. have a great day.

Anonymous said...

Al's comment above mine made me laugh! How true!

I am not much of a poetry lover, but must say this one caught me by surprise!

Tammie Lee said...

I found a grace to your words
peace with death in your words
beauty and oneness in your words

Kateri said...

Beautiful and powerful words.

Travis Cody said...

I found it sad, but also uplifting as well because of the words and imagery you chose to convey the theme. Nicely done.

Anonymous said...

I think it is a lovely poem. It reminds me of music from the Appalachian Mountains. Why don't you print this one off and tuck it in your Bible?

Julia Phillips Smith said...

A locket of earth will hold my body's loss without pry

That is a truly awesome line.

I actually found the poem to be rather serene.

Rambling Woods said...

It gave me chills too..wonderful..

Rose said...

OH! I don't know how to describe the thoughts that flowed through me....this is wonderful.

christine said...

What a poignant, lovely ghazal, The rhythm and rhyme are perfect for the repeating words. I can tell you have had many awakenings and experiences not everyone has had.

Lynda Lehmann said...

This is very sad, yet eloquent and moving! Great work that you should be very proud of!

Wild_Bill said...

Poignant and perceptive. Poetry at its best. It brings elegance to the end. Although I'm with Al, hope it stays away for quite a while.

Anonymous said...

good to think about that moment...I like your words!