Claire V. Bogdanos

When I have watched ten thousand clouds pass

overhead and seen

Them pass again this way no more in

splendor’s show serene,

When I have held the dearest heart close

to my breast once more

And known a love without a fear I

never knew before,

When I have filled my wildest dreams and

spent my sweetest day,

When there is nothing left to learn and

nothing left to say,

When all of time continues on as

if it faced no end

And I have told my last farewell to

lover and to friend,

When all my tears and hopes are gone and

life wills no delay

Then may I close my eyes in sleep and

blow my breath away.