"A New Beginning"

Too long we fear the unknown way
forgetting how to live.
We share that sure and final day;
awaiting, peace to give.

So swift we fly to endless sleep
earth's shell left far behind.
Past telling loved ones, "Do not weep!
I live on in your mind.

The pain you feel is not for me.
Your tears are shed in vain.
Save sorrow for those who can't be
within my new domain.

Rejoice with me in my reward
paid for with dearest blood.
I'm taken from a path, once hard.
Love flows here like a flood.

Fear not the final step we take
for all must follow there.
Your dread and grief is a mistake.
Life's harvest waits. Take care!"

This door between our life and death
opens at our last gasp of breath
and through it, all must one day tread
to Heaven's gate or Hellfire's dread.

Within black void of death' abyss,
mind chilled by Charon's icy kiss,
we make our way toward the light
which shines beyond; to quell death's night.

Our spirit's flight to the unknown
from youngest babe to oldest crone
is Heavenward or to Hell's fire.
The saints are saved. Sin's fate is dire.

From dust to dust, this shell we spurn.
Life's gift and soul we now return
to God, who chooses which remain.
Will it be Heaven or Hell's pain?

Choose Well!

Hands tightly grasped to hold him here
upon this mortal plain,
I knew full well he would not stay.
Death was his next domain.
Yet somehow hoping prayer could halt
his passing from the Earth.
Could stop a destiny we share
from our first breath at birth.
I saw his feeble efforts to
evade the dreaded scythe.
His pain glared out from misted eyes
while clutching to this life.
Death's rattle rasped within his breast,
life's breath escaped, at last.
His tortured visage, now at peace;
his hurt left in the past.
Sight blurred with tears, heart full of grief;
I left him lying there.
Then swiftly, gladness came to me
for now he's in God's care.

Grace shared herself throughout her years
and taught youngsters the way
to make a life within this world
of pain and strife today.

The joy she brought to everyone,
her laughter and her smile,
will always stay within our hearts
'till we meet in a while.

Dear Uncle Cliff, we share your loss.
To us, it brings great pain.
Your Grace has gone to her reward;
on Earth, we must remain.

The love you two gave free to all
did touch the very soul.
Now Grace is in Christ's arms of love
our God has made her whole.

Tho' of ourselves, nothing we are
lest we love like His Son.
The Father does the work for us
and welcomes Grace.
"Well Done!"!

Rage, Death! For thy clawed hands touch not the swift soul.
Within your pale grasp is earth's husk, in a hole.
Your fire-storm of anger, your impotent howl,
the stench of your larder, your face darkening cowl…

No one stands beside you or will e're abide
for long; just an instant in time when they died.
You're here till the end with your blood rusted scythe
then cease to exist; never having lived life.

The loneliest entity in all God's realm
within the deep bowels of life's ship, not the helm.
I pity thine ancient task and thank the Lord
for Life's Door to Heaven, that's not quite so hard.

Shall I remember you in death
as starlight fades from sightless eyes?
Life's shell now cold like winters breath,
my grief's damp diamonds on you lie.

Should I recall your painful path
trod firmly, brave, with silent strength;
taint memories with wasted wrath
at endless sleep; or morn at length?

Must monument or shrine be built
to keep your memory in mind?
My thoughts of you will never wilt
and eyes remember, were they blind.

Yes! I shall keep you in my heart
for there your beauty will not wane.
Though gone; we'll never be apart.
In fondest thoughts, you shall remain.

Oh what a fine parade was life.
My cup o'erflowed with friends and love.
I've been a Grandma, Mother, Wife;
all treasured gifts from God above.

As must we all, whom He has blessed,
my life's parade comes to an end.
Our souls to an eternal rest
from mortal world to Heaven send.

Weep rivers, if you must, my dears;
grieve not for life lived long and true.
Cleanse heart and mind of pain and fears.
Heaven awaits. My soul is new.

So lay me down 'neath beds of rose
for rest eternal, in God's light.
White lily's, blanketing repose,
while angels guide me through death's night.

To Grandma Lawson,
Love and Condolences,

Larry & Virginia

With heads bowed low, eyes damp with grief;
we gathered. Friends and families
passed by the bier to bid goodbye
and add this day to memories.