Monday, October 27, 2014

After Such Knowledge, What Forgetfulness?



We are the only living things who know
   That we will die, and then we all forget it,
So we can live.  When friends and family go,
   We’re wounded, but we always tourniquet it
By saying: “That’s the rule—I’m the exception.
   Everyone has to follow it but me.
The whole world’s born to live a misconception.
   They get a lifetime; I get eternity.”
I’ll take my final breath on my last day,
   Thinking: “Not me.  Not me.  Not me.  Not me.”
Hearing: “Yes, you.  Even you,” as I pay
   The debt that’s due to my mortality.
      All that’s for publication; but in private,
      Deep down, I know—I KNOW—that I’ll survive it.


Copyright 2014 Matthew J Wells

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