The Dying Man and the Vulture

Hi Everyone

In this poem Kahil Gibran creates an inner dialogue between man and death which shows a process of acceptance of death and the letting go of life. For me the poem captures the essence of a peaceful/natural death based on acceptance and faith in nature. Although the "Agony Overwrought" sounds like he needed an earlier referral to his local palliative care providers for good symptom control!!

This poem offers much to reflect and ponder on and has so much beauty and strength I thought I would share it with you.

I'd be very interested in hearing anyones comments on this poem.

THE DYING MAN AND THE VULTURE

Wait, wait yet awhile, my eager friend. I shall yield but too soon this wasted thing, Whose agony overwrought and useless Exhausts your patience. I would not have your honest hunger Wait upon these moments: But this chain, though made of breath, Is hard to break. And the will to die, Stronger than all things strong, Is stayed by a will to live Feebler than all things feeble.

Forgive me, comrade; I tarry too long. It is memory that holds my spirit; A procession of distant days, A vision of youth spent in a dream, A face that bids my eyelids not to sleep, A voice that lingers in my ears, A hand that touches my hand. Forgive me that you have waited too long. It is over now, and all is faded:

The face, the voice, the hand and the mist that brought them hither. The knot is untied. The cord is cleaved. And that which is neither food nor drink is withdrawn. Approach, my hungry comrade; The board is made ready. And the fare, frugal and spare, Is given with love. Come, and dig your beak here, into the left side, And tear out of its cage this smaller bird, Whose wings can beat no more: I would have it soar with you into the sky.

Come now, my friend, I am your host tonight, And you my welcome guest.


Kahil Gibran