His old age fell on years of abundant harvest. <br />There were no earthquakes, droughts or floods. <br />It seemed as if the turning of the seasons gained in constancy, <br />Stars waxed strong and the sun increased its might. <br />Even in remote provinces no war was waged. <br />Generations grew up friendly to fellow men. <br />The rational nature of man was not a subject of derision. <br /> <br /> <br />It was bitter to say farewell to the earth so renewed. <br />He was envious and ashamed of his doubt, <br />Content that his lacerated memory would vanish with him. <br /> <br /> <br />Two days after his death a hurricane razed the coasts. <br />Smoke came from volcanoes inactive for a hundred years. <br />Lava sprawled over forests, vineyards, and towns. <br />And war began with a battle on the islands.<br /><br />Czeslaw Milosz<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/a-felicitous-life/
