The Great White Owl

 The Great White Owl

‘Let me fly with the great white owl,
give me strong poison’ she said,
‘and I will drink a draft
of blessed oblivion.
My strength is all but past,           
my time here now is done.’
But he had no strong poison
to give her, and she wept
that she must live another day.

‘Let me fly with the great white owl,
fetch me Nembutal’ she
entreated, ‘mix it with
honey and sweet white wine,       
and I will draw close at last
to death’s kindly sleep.’
But he had no Nembutal
to fetch for her, and she
cried out in her misery.

‘Let me fly with the great white owl,
bring me a gun’ she begged,
‘that I may find an end
to this  living death.’
But he had no gun
to bring to her and she turned           
her face away from him
that he might not see now
her ultimate despair.

‘Kiss me once’ she whispered,
‘and kiss me once again,
this be our  sweet good night.
Smother me with a pillow,
hold me close in your arms           
until all my breath is gone.
Give me a final blessing,
as you set me free
to fly at last with the great white owl.’

He kissed her once, he kissed
her gently once again.
He took up the pillow
and held it to her face,
clasped his arms about her           
until her struggles ceased,
and her soul’s soft whisper
bade him a faint adieu.
‘Go fly my love’ he said, ‘it is your time.’

Quietly he laid her down
grateful for her passing,
and looked out into the
long night’s mist grey ending
as the great white owl flew
with her departing soul,
while angels and morning
bright stars sang in chorus
and Love held out his arms in welcome.
                                                   
                                                  Naomi