Helen Hoyt

From “Poems of Life and Death”

SINCE I have felt the sense of death,

Since I have borne its dread, its fear—

Oh, how my life has grown more dear

Since I have felt the sense of death!

Sorrows are good, and cares are small,

Since I have known the loss of all.

Since I have felt the sense of death,

And death forever at my side—

Oh, how the world has opened wide

Since I have felt the sense of death!

My hours are jewels that I spend,

For I have seen the hours end.

Since I have felt the sense of death,

Since I have looked on that black night—

My inmost brain is fierce with light

Since I have felt the sense of death.

O dark, that made my eyes to see!

O death, that gave my life to me!