The Crimson Orb

The Crimson Orb

21 JUNE 2016 · FRIENDS

I stood at the end of the bay and I watched, The perfect crimson orb, surrounded by its own rays, Drop from sight behind the distant hills. The day was good and I will recall it oft, But if I knew no better, I’d have thought, That it were gone forever. But I knew that sight was seen before, And so it would be oft again, Until the End. I hoped I’d not be there to see.

I thought of my life – what had I done? Indeed I had done much, And those who know me well will say, That I speak truth enough. But now I see the orb of gold move slowly and I know, That it will drop more quickly at the end. And will the crimson glow of all my sins, The life of constant loss and pain, Bring only sadness? I hope that there may be some serene reflection, Some recollection of some happy days, When time was not wasted.

So what is good? As one did say, “All then is vanity!” Is it enough to do some goodness where one goes? To tread with kindness in a coarse and bitter world? And offer some poor lonely soul, A shoulder to lean on, or an ear to listen, Some food to eat, some clothes for warmth? For now, I think it is enough. I shun the edifices and the temples built by man, For all their intent, they are cold as stone. The only warmth is in the human heart, Reflected sometimes in a child’s eyes, So now I’ll live for love, For love is all there is.

Mark Humber 9/4/2010