Death of a Friend

I will lift up my eyes

And behold in the darkening storm

The freedom that rides on the wind

The raven that turns on the wing

The gale-driven hail that beleaguers the face

And stings with fond kisses

I was glad when they said unto me

Come dark heart, share

This our rich secret

Our hushed ever presence

While a still rushing river flows on

Through the white hoar frost valley of winter

And do you fear to tread alone

On this dark boundary at life's edge?

Fall night along the chill lake verge

Make steel of earth, but not the fond friend's heart

Love reaching out

Like the distant scattering stars

I will lift up my eyes to the hills,

And when night descends

Feel in that dreamy lull

Those furies are out of earshot,

While by low whispering lochs in breathless sleep you share

The loveliest dreams of those sad mountain songs so rare.

Richard Henderson