A Dying Man's Lament

There is nothing here but shallow breath
Which soon shall cease its aching rhythm.

The mortal vices we had pursued
Now haunt the eaves in crowns of loss
No young man could perceive the cost
Until the light of life withdrew.

The light which cast the endless shadows
Over all my journey's ends
Now gone are all my wholesome friends
And here, I, in the darkness wallow.

Come and free me from this prison,
Grant me now eternal rest.