ENDING

Life! I am broken, tired, I have drunk too deep and wandered far— And coveted a star. I have been a rebel And fought against your laws. I was bent On wielding you ... but you had me in your firmament And I never knew. Now I know— I know I cannot beat you, And he who wants to meet you Must go your way Or Perish. Life! I am weary, spent, The sun you gave me was only lent And now at the end of my day It has faded and gone away. I am lonely and grown cold; Youth is on my brow, yet I am old, And darkness falls around me. Life! I am finished, ended, But before my way from you I’ve wended, I only ask one thing. I, who used to ask so much! (The music has stopped and I feel no touch), Life! I falter because the way is far too steep And so in pity just send me ... Sleep!