The End Of The Page

It fell into my head fully-formed, in about 47 minutes, the night after my Grandmother's funeral. It instructs us not be be sad, as the loved one is certainly joyous to have regained all that she lost during her life and illness.

 

THE END OF THE PAGE

When we get to the end of the page,

And the last word has been said

And all the thoughts of the Sage

Have been comprehended as read

 

Then we’ll all fold our glasses

And lay them on the bed…

 

We’ve been alone for years now,

Amid the clamoring crowd;

Badly tarnished, the Matriarch’s crown

(More so than is allowed!)

 

Our head, once so erect

Is now a trifle bowed…

 

The print seems so much smaller now

Than it ever was before,

And I believe I hear the Editor

Tapping softly at my door

 

“A moment only, dear One,

“For I’ve rather slowed with age.

“I’ll be with you in a minute,

“When I get to The End Of The Page.”

 

“Barbara, kindly close the blinds,

“For the sun is far too bright!”

(What a surprise when she shall find

That the SUN’s not the source of that light!)

 

But it truly wouldn’t matter,

For she’s far too tired to fight…

 

Great gulps of God’s good air

I again breathe in with glee!

The hummingbirds and martins fair

Zoom and sing to welcome me!

 

Breaths, and birds, and iris beds:

Joys such as I’d forgot could be!

 

Now I’ve come to the End Of The Page

Now it’s time to sign the Book.

The papers are folded, the bed is made;

Now I cast a last and a loving look.

 

Fin’ly unfettered and free’d am I,

I gladly bound from out my cage,

And fly to the arms of my dearest Dear,

For I’ve got to The End Of The Page!

 

December 6, 1986

 

 

 

Reviews

[Sheila Kline]

Oh Mark!
This is divine! How beautifully expressed is every word of one's end times on Earth! I absolutely love the use of life ending at "the end of the page". There are so many brilliant lines that I cannot single out one as a favorite........it is indeed all a favorite, and I shall flag it as such on my page.
Thank you for sharing your wonderful poetry. I must come back and read more, and I shall!!
I am so glad you have become a part of Writer's Cafe!!!
With Friendship,
Sheila

[Ellen Hammond]

Mark,

This is beautiful! A true gift in every way. Thank you for sharing it with us.