Death is the strongest of all living things,
And when it happens do not look in the eyes
For a dead fire or a lack-luster there;
But listen for the words that fall from lips
Or do not fall. Silence is not death;
It merely means that one who is conserving breath
Is not concerned with tattle and small quips.

Watch the quick fingers and the way they move
During unguarded moments — words of love
And love's caresses may be cold as ice,
And cold the glitter of engagement rings.
Death is the sword that hangs on a single hair;
And that thin tenuous hair is no more than love,
And yours is the silly head it hangs above.