THE JOURNEY

Summarizing our own mortality

while we grieve for our loved ones,

we naturally comfort those who have lost theirs,

but we also have to contend with the fact that

we will have some day to leave this world
for others to grieve for us in return,
when our own days on earth are done.

THE JOURNEY

  

When the final summons

Beckons at my door

To leave for another shore

I know it’s God’s call I can’t ignore.

It will be my life’s journey’s end,

Sudden and abrupt

Unannounced and undecided

I will have to leave in haste.

This departure I cannot

Adjourn, defer or halt

No luggage to cart

No time to prepare

Or say good-bye

Before I acknowledge

My final roll call.

Today I lament for loved ones

That I have lost long ago

But in turn will have to obey God’s command

When I have served my tenure and

And my time on earth is done.

  

Let me therefore do good,

Pardon my friend or foe

For it may be too late to do so

When God knocks on my door

And I am unable to look back;

I have got to go.

When I am gone

My friends and family

May in turn

Grieve in pain and sorrow

And remorse so deep,

So help me God to be good to others today

In whatever I do or say,

So that I may be remembered

When the chapel bells for me

 toll tomorrow.

From up above I will only silently see

Unable to communicate or respond

Direct, guide or tell

But perhaps I could only wish

And hope there is at least one good thing

That I will be remembered by

If at all.

(Poem excerpted from my book: 'GOA - Memories of My Homeland' - Poems & Stories)