World Gone Beautiful

The world's gone beautiful because it's about to die.

I never saw such flower faces or so intent a sky.

I never heard such lines from horns or violins,

Or saw such lavish girls, such dandy boys,

And I know why.

It's that the world is asking not to die.

I never saw such hands flexing like silver leaves,

I never knew such air, or leaned to so good a breeze.

Even the tears I cry, they aren't salt but clear,

For sea birds riding the wind calling their last,

Their wild goodbye.

The world is asking not to die.

I want to hold this world and never let it go,

I want the sun to always rise on the kids next door.

Whether I go or stay, that question still abides,

Posed by rainbows in the river spray.

What answer do you give

A world that asks so bitterly to live?