If I believe

Text edited from e. e. cummings' if i believe.

if i believe
in death be sure
of this
it is

because you have loved me,
moon and sunset
stars and flowers
gold creshendo and silver muting

of seatides

darkness and beauty of stars
was on my mouth petals danced
against my eyes
and down

the singing reaches of
my soul

i knew thee death.

and when
i have offered up each fragrant
night,

from the ashes
then
thou wilt rise and thou
wilt come to her and brush

the mischief from her eyes and fold
her
with

thy unimaginable
wings,where dwells the breath
of all persisting stars