Death

(written after the death of a friend)
 

At life's end and death's begin
What separates them both?
That line so fragile and so thin,
Which all of us fearfully loath.

Yet, through it we must all pass,
Some at tender age, others not;
Those with gold and those with brass
Must go through this same spot.

What goes through one's mind
As life's clock stops chiming?
Will one's thoughts be cruel or kind
At the very moment of dying?

Will one panic or just resign?
Will one fight or just submit
Will one curse the great design,
Or simply not a sound emit?

Who can say which is better?
This life we know or the other,
From where no one returns ever
To tell, to warn his own brother.

But one, who suffered and died
So long ago on Calvary,
The one who would've never lied,
Conquered Death's ignominy,

And told all who would hear
That man would live after death ...
So, if you trust him, do not fear;
Life goes on after your last breath.

Empangeni, 1986.
 

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