As he lay curled in his basket
His eyes radiantly peaceful
His parting message:
 
Old men parting,
My end is at hand
But you must bide a while.
I go to Porgy and Bess,
And Charlie . . .
He will be keeping order as usual!
 
I will take good news
To Ndapota and the
Old man from Mozambique
That you are well, and in good hands;
But you miss them; and
You will come soon.
 
We will be waiting for you
Tails a-wagging;
Like the night we fought off
Those robbers
And waited by the open gate
Till you came,
Late in the night.
 
Slowly, the eyes closed
The little old man
Had gone.
One friend less.
 
Yes, the night draws nigh
The Galaxies are aglow
With the splendour of death.