The Knowledge

It passes by unrecognized

as the years spin;

no cake, cards, candles celebrate

birthday’s darker twin.

To moles that burrow in the earth,

to beetle, moth and crow,

death comes to everyone at last

but we’re the ones who know.

The blackbird sings to greet the day,

his voice is sure and strong.

He doesn’t know that he will die,

what matters is the sun, the sky,

what matters is the song.

Jenny Dixon.

From her latest collection, 'Marking Time'.