By degrees we all are moving onward
To the same still shore where silence reigns
And perhaps when soon that path I follow
I must leave behind my earthly claims
Silver birches in their gentle swaying!
Mother earth's vast plains of golden sand!
Those who've gone before me seem to hover —
As my grief I cannot countermand
In this world, I fear, I've grown too loving
Of what binds the spirit fast to flesh
Trembling aspens, with your leaves unfurling
Gazing skyward through your branches' mesh
In the quiet hours of contemplation
Many songs about my life I've spun
In this world of fleeting consolation
Found that joy with every breath's begun
Women's kisses sparked my inspiration —
Like crushed flowers in the summer grass —
Even quarrels, like my brothers' squabbles
Never drove me to harsh words or brass
Now I know those distant woods won't flower
There the graceful wheat no more will sway
Thus I find the thought of soon departing
Makes me tremble as I face that day
For I know in that far destination
Golden fields in mist no longer glow
Those I love will therefore keep their places
Here with me on earth, where life still flows
