A Song of Living

Thank you very much, Reverend.
I had the opportunity of reading some poems with Hazel before she died, and these two were especial favourites of hers. — Robert

Listen to Robert reading the poem:




BECAUSE I HAVE loved life, I shall have no sorrow to die.

I have sent up my gladness on wings, to be lost in the blue of the sky.
I have run and leapt with the rain, I have taken the wind to my breast.
My cheek like a drowsy child to the face of the earth I have pressed.
Because I have loved life, I shall have no sorrow to die.

I have kissed young Love on the lips, I have heard his song to the end.
I have struck my hand like a seal in the loyal hand of a friend.
I have known the peace of heaven, the comfort of work done well.
I have longed for death in the darkness and risen alive out of hell.
Because I have loved life, I shall have no sorrow to die.

I give a share of my soul to the world where my course is run.
I know that another shall finish the task I must leave undone.
I know that no flower, nor flint was in vain on the path I trod.
As one looks on a face through a window through life I have looked on God.
Because I have loved life, I shall have no sorrow to die.

— AMELIA JOSEPHINE BURR