Body by Mabel Simpson

 My body is only lent to me,

I carry it with me tenderly.

I have given it sleep, I have given it sky,

So it will not be afraid to die.

I have taught it how to lie so still

It can hear the heartbeats of the hill.

I have given it gentle care,

I have washed its hands, I have brushed its hair.

And I think when it goes down with earth

Something beautiful will have birth.

A bit of grass or a willow tree,

My body is only lent to me.