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. — RobertListen to Robert reading the poem:
ECAUSE 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