Classic Poem

SO MANY times have I been dead,
So many times been buried — yet
Each time the winter clod have shed,
And spring's great wonder-world have met.

By inner pang transpierced — and done —
Sit tibi terra levis said —
Just there, the light again I won,
And life-to-life inherited!

" But, now, no more shall I arise! "
Each death I deemed the Great Surcease,
Spring's fire did touch my heart, my eyes,
And fire in me did straight release.

So many times this chanced to me —
So many, many little deaths,
The Last no more than space can be
Between two tremulous-taken breaths!