the first death

“He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no
 more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore,
for the former things have passed away.”―Revelation 21:4

the first death is the grave,
a timeless sleep
from which no tears can save,
though many weep;

fed to the cold, dark earth,
soma interred,
all fret and spite and mirth
and cares deferred.

the dead dreads not the night
nor craves the day;
nor do strange wings take flight
and soar away

to heaven or to hell
for recompense,
where saint nor infidel
claims present tense.

the first death is quick dust
becoming dust,
returning to earth’s crust,
just or unjust:

blessed are those who sleep
well in the ground,
whose trust the Lord shall keep
till trumps shall sound.

© Copyright 2024 May 28
by Clyve A. Bowen♫