"Angel of Death 11" Drawing courtesy of artist Reine Pettersson of Elfwood Galleries.
Death suddenly appears before me
Arriving from war's battle field of misery.
Beyond him, in the distance, I see
A collage of souls waiting patiently.
Death stares at me intensely.
Ancient hollows terrify, yet mesmerize me.
Eyes that capture with vice-like fascination
Rendering me helpless within their prison.
Knowing his mission is certain and unwavering
Knowing he comes to conquer the living
I shiver and cringe in agony
Knowing he has now come for me
"No Death," I beg, "Not now, please!"
My whimpering words are fruitless pleas.
Begging words he does not heed
Words that are hopeless, indeed.
Yet, Surprisingly
To some degree
He calms and enchants me, thus
With a sweet song most melodious:
Come hither, come hither, mortal
'Tis time for you to come with me
To fight, to struggle, 'tis useless
You cannot ignore my decree
He pauses ... then asks:
Dare you desire to do battle with me?
Dare I desire to do battle with him?
Oh no! No! Hell no!
Can anyone beat Death?
No! No! I don't think so!
It makes no sense for me to fight
What chance have I against his might?
Could I win? Certainly not!
What other choices have I got?
Was it not yesterday, and many days prior
That I ignored the splendor of earth's bloom?
Was it not yesterday and many days prior
That I ignored wrong deeds and other's needs?
Indulging instead, my material greed?
Now's too late to make amends
Too late to embrace life and friends.
Although my time has surely come
I think of "things" yet undone.
But, no, I've no choice, 'cept to go.
Yet, deep within, I sincerely pray
Beliefs in "blissful here-after" days
Are true . Oh please, let them be true !
Beliefs that there's life beyond death
Life beyond mortal death's grasp
One that breaks Death's icy hold
An eternal existence of a soul
A divine entity, a Being of eternity.
Death commands:
"Now! You must come!"
My heartbeats sound of ancient drums.
He points his bony finger at me
As my life force ebbs slowly from me.
Placing my trembling hand in Death's
I take my last gasping breath.
I leave my temporal house of flesh
At the very instant of his touch.
'Tis now, I receive an unseen kiss!
An outpouring of loving tenderness.
'Tis now, I notice a brilliant light
Amidst this darkened void-of-night.
Unexpectedly, Death releases my hand
And I flee away, as fast as I can
Racing toward that blazing light
In a most amazing feat of flight.
Alas, 'tis true ! Love! Ecstasy!
Astounding circumstance does embrace me.
I'm euphoric! I soar, laughing and singing
A divinely wondrous, eternal Being.
Emotional writing and emotional reading. I am not afraid of death having watch my loving hubby die right before me. It is sad to have to go on sometimes, but positive I must be. Liked this picture and the poetry too. Death is final and we go to Heaven and everyone has to die, but not before our time is up. I must remember that. Often it seems.
What an amzing finale! Gwen how come you can describe death like this? It seems as if you have tasted it before and then resurrected to show us how the process will look like when time comes to go for good. The poem touches the soul not in a way to soothe but in a way to take it. A wonderful poem.
Thought provoking and very powerfully portrayed, Gwen. Death is not the end in itself - he is but the messenger boy and the chaperone to the Great Beyond! Like birth, we all have to pass through the dark tunnel before arriving on the other side. Reminds me of potholing somehow, of which I am mortally afraid... yet I feel I could jump out of an airplane any day!! Its something to do with "deep", "dark" and "water", I think... must have had a difficult birth, I guess! Graphic and well-written, thank you! Kate xx
Beautifully and powerfully insightful and excellent Gwen, What a most excellent poem!
Reindeer
Reviewed by Kate Clifford (Reader)
Reviewed on May 1, 2005
Wonderful beautiful write! It is good that you showed that even with strong belief's that moment can be very dark and scary....but the light always wins :-)
Gwen what a fantastic journey you took us on!
I'm elated with your finale! I've felt
similar events and visions, most beautiful!
Isn't it exciting. I can only say, may it be!
When that time comes may it be!;-)
Eileen
Reviewed by Birdie Houston (Reader)
Reviewed on May 1, 2005
Great art work .....Powerful write fantastically written!!!!
Wow this is gripping. I found myself getting goosebumps while reading this. It doesn't matter if one agrees with the premise or not, anyone can appreciate great poetry and I really do.
Well done!
Chanti
Timeless wisdom and advice on the art of living for today’s young and old: The art of thinking, the art of loving, the art of working, the art of leadership, the art of growing old.
A new translation by Sergio E. Serrano of this inspirationa
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enjoyed much
thanks for sharing
William ....Peace & Love
thanks for sharing this gem
love and peace
Huda
A masterpiece that flows and flows. I love the picture too.
Elizabeth
Paul;-]
Reindeer
well done :)
I'm elated with your finale! I've felt
similar events and visions, most beautiful!
Isn't it exciting. I can only say, may it be!
When that time comes may it be!;-)
Eileen
Credit For The write!
TRASK
Well done!
Chanti
Love Tinka