Oh! Give to Me an Endless Sky

oh! give to me an endless sky, reflect on sylvan stream
with gentle dip of paddle glide, before translucent gleam
slender craft, of dream construct, midst water lilies borne
sing life's song of joy again, drink full of life's good horn

I would beneath this great blue sky, long forevers deep,
once again bow forward go before my evening sleep
where cool in simple comfort rest, sweet upon my bed
rejoice this day's blessings that so well my soul have fed

brightly flow these days of light, as gems on golden strand
joyful life leaps wild and free, uncared of slipping sand
each day dawns in matchless worth, full beyond all measure
silver cord, most lavish blessed, gift of boundless treasure

day fades too soon to falling night, life yields its gloried bliss
on shrouded shore reluctant greets death's unwelcome kiss
and leaps for joy at new day's dawn, bright by Love endowed
though I sleep, yet will I rise! oh Death be not so proud

This poem won first place for the April 2026 poetry contest