Time to Go

Now I have my leave to go my brothers

and sisters, hence, please bid me farewell.
I bow to you all and take my departure
and here I give back the keys of my door.

Now I give up all claims to my house
but ask only for last kind words from you
as we were neighbours for so long
when I received more than I could give.

Now the day has dawned and the lamp

that lit my dark corner is out
for a summons has come to me
and I am ready for my journey.

Adopted from Tagore’s Gitanjali, poem 93

Henry Victor          23.11.2012

Gift for Grace

An inclination for virtuous living, joy, wealth
including fame, with the final home come
from you, my ultimate mother and father
with the power to give, or withhold these gifts.

But my tears are mine, and mine alone that I bring
to you as my gift, a chain of pearls for your neck,
to hang on  your chest as the stars have placed anklets  
of light to your feet, and you reward me with your grace.

Adopted from Tagore’s Gitanjali, poem 83

Henry Victor          24.10.2012