May 29, 2019

GULL

I noticed a bird at the edge of the dock,
alone and apart from the rest of its flock.
The gull I was watching then took to the sky
and masked by the trees it soon flew out of view.
Then wishing that I too were able to fly
I sat for a bit, just a moment or two,
then slowly stood up and continued my walk.
And how can man die better
Than facing fearful odds,
For the ashes of his fathers,
And the temples of his gods?

- The Lays of Ancient Rome

✤ ✤ ✤ ✤ ✤

I hold it true, whate'er befall;
I feel it, when I sorrow most;
'Tis better to have loved and lost
Than never to have loved at all.

- Lord Alfred Tennyson, In Memoriam