Myrtle and Myrrh/The Fruits of Death

by Ameen Rihani

 

THE FRUITS OF DEATH

I

Said golden leaves upon the ground
To new born leaves upon the tree:
"Soon homeward autumn winds will blow
And carry us away to sea,
Just as it shook the night before
The branches all and set us free;
No longer do we envy bird or dew,
Nor do we want again to be like you."

II

The sweet and tender leaves replied:
"Still we rejoice that we are here;
We rise from the eternal source
Of life to crown the dying year;
The wind that freed you we can see,
The sea you love we always hear.
You are the booty of the storm and we,
We are the fruits of Death upon Life's tree."