[Click the picture above to hear music composed by the author.]

Now and then my living Heart is

Hailed by Death, the Mind:

"Come to me, My Precious Love,

And see what you shall find,

A place that knows no pain, no grief.

You've loved and lost enough, My Love.

Come and taste relief."

"Dear Death, Dear Mind,

I've quotes for you,

Exactly two:

'Life is pain.'

'No pain, no gain.'"

"Come again?"

"Don't think I'd join you

If I could.

I've not yet tired of

Doing good.

In Death all levels are as one,

Or so they say.

I choose the rough path anyway."