Lengthening Shadows

Reclining in my armchair, My eyes wander to the horizon far And see darkness invading the Earth Lost, so lost in the marauding loneliness I watch the shadows of evening Thickening around me and spreading a pall I hear the rustle of wings In the distant air Is it a vulture or some other bird of prey? Hovering over in circling motion? With talons sharp and a malicious grin, To hook me on its piercing claws, And carry me to destinations unknown? Reclining in my armchair, Brooding in gloom, On this twilight evening, When shadows lengthen, And the day darkens, What prompts me to think of preying vultures? Or leads me to meditate over fleeting time? May be the thought of staying…. At the very brink of life But pardon me of my selfish craving Let me stay here a little longer!