When shall we rest?

The ceaseless waves

They have no quest.

The trees peace‑rife.

Their lifeless life

From sorrow saves.

When shall we go?

Whither? We care

Nothing to know.

Sorrow is here.

Aught may us cheer

Now of dim there.

What in us shall

Cease and leave peace?

Life holds in thrall

Our joy like pain,

Our loss‑like gain,

Our stayed release.

Love cannot bless.

Bliss cannot live.

Joy's short caress

Passes like wind

Suddenly thinned

We dream and grieve.

Outward from us

There lies the land

Less luminous,

Where we may rest,

Leaving all quest.

Wishing no strand.

Ready the bark

For our repose.

Let us embark.

The sea is lone?

We are alone,

Pain but pain shows.

Remember nought.

Cease like a light

Suddenly not.

Merge like a dream

Into the stream

Of its own night.