On the Death of a Teacher



Now that you have entered the long silence,
Lying in state so long as I have life,
I lay my gratitude across your memory
Like flowers strewn across an open bier.

Not often does one soul ignite another
With such intensity as yours did mine.
I'm burning still with all your inner fire,
Humankind to your Promethean joy.

There is no gift so glowing I can give you,
Nor any way my love can reach your heart.
All I can do is pass your torch to someone
To whom the distant midnight mountains call