We all are moving onward

By degrees we all are moving onward To the same still shore where silence reigns And perhaps when soon that path I follow I must leave behind my earthly claims Silver birches in their gentle swaying! Mother earth's vast plains of golden sand! Those who've gone before me seem to hover — As my grief I cannot countermand In this world, I fear, I've grown too loving Of what binds the spirit fast to flesh Trembling aspens, with your leaves unfurling Gazing skyward through your branches' mesh In the quiet hours of contemplation Many songs about my life I've spun In this world of fleeting consolation Found that joy with every breath's begun Women's kisses sparked my inspiration — Like crushed flowers in the summer grass — Even quarrels, like my brothers' squabbles Never drove me to harsh words or brass Now I know those distant woods won't flower There the graceful wheat no more will sway Thus I find the thought of soon departing Makes me tremble as I face that day For I know in that far destination Golden fields in mist no longer glow Those I love will therefore keep their places Here with me on earth, where life still flows