The bird of life has a timeless song.

How sweet and peaceful is its tune.

Beside me, it sings into my empty life.

Bringing me paradise too late, too soon.

The forest around me, in winter’s snow.

Robbed of the days, of the coming years.

An idle torment rests within me.

The unknown prospect thrills my soul.

To other mortals such action is wrong.

I am prepared for my eternal justice.

From darkness god will show me light in heaven.

As the bird of life sings its timeless song.

The chiming of bells beckons in a new year.

My bittersweet epilogue is fireworks and cheer.

To sit in judgement from whence I fell.

A gun, its music rings through my brain.

The timeless song from the bird of life, I shall never hear again.

(Painting, acrylic on canvass, 'Where The Crow Flies' by Gary Peters)