IS it an evil to be drawing near,

The time when I shall know as I am known?

Is it an evil that the sky grows clear,

That sunset light on my path is thrown,

That truth grows fairer – that temptations cease,

And that I see, afar, a path that leads to peace?

Is it not joy to feel the lapsing year,

Calm down one's spirit? As at eventide,

After long storm – the horizon clears,

The skies shine golden and the stars subside;

Stern outlines softened in the sunlit air,

And still, as day declines, the restful earth grows fair.

As I drop the roses from my hand,

And let the thornpricks heal, and make my way

Downhill across a fair and peaceful land

Lapped in the golden calm of dying day;

Glad that night is near and glad to know

That, rough or smooth the way - I have not far to go!

Ken Saville

Cinderford