In Memory of Thomas Lovell Beddoes---a poem by stephen richard eng

In Memory of Thomas Lovell Beddoes

(1803-1849)

(for Neal S. Baron)

Yes, Death’s the goal from birth,

From womb to worms-in-earth,

The distance but a second’s crazing race.

Run well, run slack, the finish line, your coffin space.

Yes, Death’s the favored theme

(Mere Life, a tinsel dream)…

Chill Earth is real.  Charade of living’s not.

In time, your silk-lined sleeping-box will rot.

1981