Nurtured by mother’s body, <br />Close to her heart she cradles us. <br />We are complete – but not whole, <br />Until she lets us go. <br />At birth, our journey begins, <br />Love, laughter, joy and sorrow, <br />Choosing our paths, <br />We challenge the future. <br />Never knowing where or when. <br />With silent steps it will stalk us, <br />Relentless in its pursuit, <br />Swathed in blackness like a moonless night, <br />In shadows or in light, <br />It will inevitably stake its claim. <br />When the body grows weary, <br />And the mind is still, <br />Will there be glimpses of the other side? <br />Brief moments of elation, <br />When inaudible words don’t quite form. <br />Mind wills life – body denies it. <br />Breathing short and ragged, <br />Sighs – like sudden breezes, <br />Loved ones will grieve for us, <br />As we surrender life, <br />Death will wrap its soft black robe around us, <br />Taking us away from everything we know, <br />Fear, pain, misery – no more, <br />In peace at last, we will rest, <br />And the end will be the beginning.<br /><br />Nancy Crossman<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/beginning-to-end-3/
