Life burns us up like fire, <br /> And Song goes up in flame: <br />The radiant body smoulders <br /> To the ashes whence it came. <br /> <br />Out of things it rises <br /> With a mouth that laughs and sings, <br />Backward it fades and falters <br /> Into the char of things. <br /> <br />Yet soars a voice above it -- <br /> Love is holy and strong; <br />The best of us forever <br /> Escapes in Love and Song.<br /><br />John Hall Wheelock<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/life-188/
