I Count the Heartbeats

I lay my hand upon my chest and listen for the beat.

I hear first one then another and within a second it will repeat.

Thump-thump, the heartbeats come in succession.

My heart feeds my body as blood comes in progression.

Sometimes I wonder at the miracle that is my heart.

It works hard all day and all night, life to impart.

What keeps it going, why has it not quit?  

It must get weary but cannot rest a bit.

Thump-thump, it beats just like a drummer.

It keeps on working come winter or summer.

I have often wondered what it will be like when its song is through.

It lies quietly while my spirit ascends into the blue.

The heart has performed a wonderful service to my soul.

Now it is resting for it has fulfilled its role.

God, I pray my heart never beats in vain.

I pray I have made something of my life that remains.

Something that will have changed the lives of others.

A heart that beats loudly in the service of sisters and brothers

If you give the comfort of this knowledge to me now

I will sing songs of praise to you eternally, this I vow.