It is not that I want to live forever.
In fact, the opposite is true.
The idea frightens me.
Strong organs, vital heart,

Grey sponge lungs,
Turn black in the passing of time.
No, I do not want to live forever.
I merely want a chance

To show myself, the world,
The importance of who I am
And what I do. I want
To say, on my dying day

That I lived through words
And heart. I lived with eyes
Wide open to sunshine.
Eyes wide open to night.

I do not want to live forever.
I am too wise to want that.
I merely want to live my life,
I just want to live right.
-15/12/02

© j fitzgerald 2002