Is death a gentle reprieve,
a final release of suffering
a promised resting place?
Or is it contemplation
coloured by memories
demanding retribution?
Will death bring reunion
unleash forgiveness
shine with revelation?
Will one final earthly breath
call forth all the fragments of the soul
and restore wholeness?
I have witnessed death –
both embraced and unwanted –
snatch the spirit from its nest
felt the whoosh of escape
and a swirl of celebration,
known the peace that follows
witnessed the body, open-eyed
and open-mouthed
become a vacuum –
discarded membranes;
an impotent shell.
The spirit does not dwell there;
it lives on borrowed time.
Where it goes when all is done
remains life’s poignant mystery.
(Originally posted January of 2015, this poem fits V.J.’s Weekly Challenge theme of mystery, hosted on One Woman’s Quest II. There is still time to participate. Head on over and check it out.)
Incredible, V.J. You are so gifted! Thank you for sharing your gift with us.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Bless you Heide for saying so!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Just magnificent! Goosebumps adorn my flesh here V.J for the theme and your sublime written expression. 🙏🏻😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Diana. It’s always a question.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wonderful poem!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks.
LikeLiked by 1 person
My pleasure!
LikeLiked by 1 person
There it is…gave me chills. I loved this: “Will one final earthly breath call forth all the fragments of the soul and restore wholeness?” We long for that wholeness but I think somehow to live happily is to accept and find ways to enjoy life in our janky, human conditions.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m with you. We can’t always control how our lives turn out, but we can choose how we handle it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I just want to say how much I adore your writing. It makes me think beyond your words. ❤️
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is such a compliment coming from you Dorinda. Thank you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re very welcome! 😊
LikeLike