Musings on Mortality

Years slowly settle on us, like the dust
In layers first invisible, then white
Borne by the unsuspecting air, it must
Upon unwary surfaces alight.

Quite cognizant I am of coming night
But trepidation’s given way to trust
That life has been a blessing, not a blight.
Years slowly settle on us, like the dust.

Time causes stone to scale and steel to rust
It flattens mountains with a gentle might
And coaxes glaciers with a steady thrust.
In layers first invisible, then white

The snows of time will bury me from sight.
But winter is a lovely season just
Like all its sister seasons in their right
Borne by the unsuspecting air, it must

Evoke mortality with every gust.
The spirits of the ages who unite
To fill the heavens with a reverent hush
Upon unwary surfaces alight

While those who walked the earth or soared in flight
Sleep soundly deep beneath the hallowed crust.
I see the silhouette of death, a slight
Surreptitious shadow filled with lust.
Years slowly settle on us.

© August 19, 2005 by Allan M. Heller