Standing amazed, a body apart, a soul departs
from a life that ends, and another starts
along that path you've often seen
this familiar place you've always been
bring it home, this ethereal being
bury the body, beyond all seeing
walk the path to that other place
stand and search for a familiar face
there among the gleaming towers
devoid of pain, tears, and hours
the hands that find you quiet the torment
and stir a soul that's long been dormant
they lead you back into your journey
the glory of which you are more than worthy
the grand structures and the holy friends
the life and learning that never ends
but place your hand inside your pocket
slowly remove the smallest locket
undo the latch and watch them fall
hundreds of pictures, one and all
family, friends, loved ones you knew
even your enemies, though they be few
suddenly you remember those you left behind
the pain they must know as they keep you in mind
and then your face appears on the TV screen
arisen from a shadow and clearly seen
"All is well and I love you too
I won't return but I'm always with you."
a fleeting glimpse so she'll believe
though you die, you never leave
then one day when another job is done
and you've spent your time in the eternal sun
you'll lay down your head for a brief respite
and awaken again in the dark of night
stole away to some darkened place
a new name, a new body, another face
pushed and pulled, grabbed and shoved
into the light to be held and loved
standing amazed, a body apart, a soul departs
from a life that ends, and another starts.