Death Means

Every night I speak with my soul,
This self that speaks aloud
is surely not the I I truly know!

Those who talk too much, mouth to mouth,
have lost their souls—worn them away!

My heart and soul,
they love everyone alike,
cherish with tenderness, feel deep compassion,
while this outer self of mine, alas,
burns and smolders at others' joy.

My soul flows calm within,
while my outer self chases only honeyed hives.

Wealth I have, companions too, yet I am weary,
but looking toward my soul I see
it rests serene, its heart filled with such peace!

When I ask my soul,
What makes you so content?
It smiles softly and slowly says,
Death, death...ah, death!

I cry out,
What are you saying! Life has barely begun! Why speak of dying now?
The answer comes:
Death is where true living starts—know this for certain...always remember!