Journey's End

I should note, as these matters are in the air at the moment, that this poem has nothing to do with "assisted dying" of any kind. It is more about the transitions in life, and in particular about approaching death and death itself plaining as a voyage into uncharted seas, unknown waters. As such, it may not be too popular either among certain Christians (who can chart those waters clearly) or certain atheists (who are sure there are no oceans to chart).

Those rather strident voices can squeeze out what I suspect most people have at one time or another, a certain agnosticism, which it seems is even present in St Paul - "For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known."

Journey's End

How age brings cares and frailty
It approaches midnight chime
The slowing down of time
The ship down on the quay

There’s a voyage on a restless sea
Departing soon, so nearly time
How age brings cares and frailty
It approaches midnight chime

Now dimly yet do weak eyes see
And shuffling slow as if in mime
The final obstacle to climb
The gangway to the ship I see
How age brings cares and frailty